A Senator who represented Ekiti North Senatorial District between 2007 -2011, Ayo Arise described the suspension of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, as an embarrassment, not only to the judiciary but to the country as a whole.
Arise, who also expressed reservations on the stance of the Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC) on the trial of the suspended CJN, was also of the view that the suspended CJN could have saved himself and the nation from the mess by taking the path of honour and resigned as the CJN rather than allowed himself to be disgraced.
Arise said this in Ado Ekiti on Saturday while speaking with journalists.
The former lawmaker said the suspended CJN owes Nigerians apology not sympathy from anyone.
Arise, who is a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC, noted that Nigeria could take advantage of the controversy and make correction on some weaknesses in the constitution.
“Well, it is an unfortunate scenario that we found ourselves. Ordinarily, Onnoghen should have saved the judiciary, saved this country and also saved his name by simply designing from office.
“Whether it is allegation, confirmation or deliberate misrepresentation. Whatever the case may be, once Onnoghen has owned up and said he forgot to make the declaration of his assets, he should have resigned and apologise to Nigerians that he, as an individual, represents an institution. And no individual should be larger
than the judiciary. It is not worth what it has been subjected to.”
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