Onnoghen’s suspension raises doubt about independence of Nigeria’s judiciary – IRI, NDI

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and International Republican Institute (IRI) have expressed concerns over the suspension and replacement of the Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari.

IRI and NDI, based in the United States, are nonpartisan organizations working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide.

The institutes, in a joint statement, said the suspension of the embattled CJN Walter Onnoghen has raised doubts among electoral stakeholders about the independence of the Supreme Court and Electoral Tribunals in the upcoming general election.

The institutes suggested that the suspension of the CJN so close to Election Day should be done through consensus and in consultation with all political actors so as not to be perceived as unfairly impacting the electoral process.

The statement said, “The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and International Republican Institute (IRI) are concerned by the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria on January 25.

“The suspension comes just three weeks before the February 16 presidential and National Assembly polls and has raised doubts among electoral stakeholders about the independence of the Supreme Court and Electoral Tribunals in the upcoming general election.

“Consistent with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, actions such as these taken so close to Election Day should be done through consensus and in consultation with all political actors so as not to be perceived as unfairly impacting the electoral process.”

The statement quoted NDI President, Ambassador Derek Mitchell, as saying that “The judicial branch plays a critical role in the electoral process. It is imperative that these courts are objective and that they are perceived as such by all election stakeholders.”

“The suspension of Nigeria’s highest judicial officer so close to the vote could undermine citizens’ confidence in the judiciary’s independence,” Mitchell added.

“IRI and NDI call on all stakeholders to adhere to the rule of law and peaceful resolution of disputes,” said IRI President Daniel Twining.

“We encourage all political actors to engage in an inclusive dialogue and implement initiatives to assure the public and political contestants that, should disputes arise from the upcoming general elections, they will be resolved fairly.”