The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Federal Government (FG) to stop the prosecution of the Justice Walter Onnoghen, suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Paul Usoro, NBA President, said in a statement on Tuesday that the spectacle of having the CJN docked was demeaning.
The statement reads, “The spectacle of having him docked while still holding that title, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), or any other court, diminishes all of us, not least the executive arm of government.
“We urge the government to discontinue the CCT charge and allow the National Judicial Council ( NJC ), to consider the initial petition which has already been responded to by the CJN.”
Explaining in the statement, Usoro said the NJC process allows an initial determination to be made on the petitions against the CJN, and if he is found liable or wanting, appropriate sanctions will be imposed by the NJC.
” The sanctions include recommendation for his dismissal or retirement.
” In that event, he would no longer hold the office or title of CJN and can be prosecuted for any criminal infraction before the CCT or any other court.”
