By Ayo Kehinde
The All Progressives Congress has stated that the decision of the Court of Appeal to okay the trial of suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, by the Code of Conduct Tribunal has vindicated his suspension from office by President Muhammadu Buhari.
National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu in a statement issued on Thursday, said
But the Court of Appeal had in a unanimous decision read by Justice Abdul Aboki dismissed the request brought by Onnoghen asking for a stay of proceedings in his asset declaration trial at the CCT ostensibly clearing any doubt about the competence of the CCT and the procedure that led to the suspension.
“The APC had in the wake of the suspension insisted that the rule of law be upheld and allowed to thrive while Justice Onnoghen submit himself to the law.
In the eyes of the party, the “The Appeal court ruling has further advertised the credentials of President Buhari as an unrepentant believer in the rule of law, due process and justice.”
“The Appeal Court has now confirmed that Onnoghen’s trial at the CCT is indeed within the confines of the law. His suspension is therefore not prejudice as being painted in some quarters since it was based on an order lawfully issued by the CCT.
“The APC is calling on the opposition to subject their criticisms to constitutional tests before polluting the public space with remarks, largely a product of political experience capable of bringing an incorruptible President to opprobrium. Issues of law cannot thrive where emotions and sentiment are the driving force.” The APC National Publicity Secretary stated.
Suspended Justice Walter Onnoghen had appealed to the Appeal Court to stay his trial in the false asset declaration charges brought against him by the federal government at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
At a Court of Appeal ruling in Abuja on Wednesday, led by presiding Judge, Justice, Abdul Aboki stated that Onnoghene’s prayers ran contrary to provisions of section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015.
According to Mr Aboki; “A court has inherent jurisdiction to grant stay of proceedings where it is certified that enough evidence has been given for such,”
“Order for stay cannot be made in vacuum. It is a matter of law and fact.” On that ground the court refused to grant the stay of proceedings.
