The Supreme Court of Nigeria, has raised an alarm over the constant threat from the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, on members of the Judiciary.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, lamented on the way in which Judicial Officers are being accused of corruption by the Buhari-led government, without having the opportunity to be heard.
Justice Onnoghen who spoke in Abuja during a thanksgiving service, held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Abuja Diocese, Wuse Zone 3, on Sunday, called on Nigerians to pray for the survival of the Judiciary.
Recall, that Supreme Court Justices and some Judges of the lower courts and their residences where invaded, raided, and thrown into detention by the Buhari-led Department of State Security Services, DSS, on alleged corruption charges.
The CJN noted that Judicial Officers in the country today, were being castigated and accused of corrupt practices by agents of the Federal Government and Politicians, without giving them an opportunity to be heard.
Justice Onnoghen, who was accompanied by his family members, his brother Justices of the Supreme Court, some past Governors, and other senior members of the legal profession, thanked God for seeing him to the peak of his career.
“I did not set out to be a Judge, but today I am a Judge by divine intervention. It’s the Lord’s doing, mine is to follow.
“My prayer is that God should help me, and should not let me down.
“I thank Nigerians for attending this event. It is supposed to be a personal thing between me and my God, but I have no hiding place. I thank God for fulfilling His promise to me.
“The Judiciary is under threat. Judges and Judicial Officers, including myself, are being castigated without giving opportunity to be heard, but God knows our heart,” he stated.
Justice Onnoghen, cited the case involving the Anambra Central Senatorial election, where Senator Uche Ekwunife, had accused the Judiciary of robbing her of her mandate. He however, noted that the leadership of country can only get it right, when it is guided by the Constitution and rule of law.
