CCT’s Conviction: Onnoghen Kicks, Approaches Appeal Court

• Slams ruling as premeditated, violates good conscience

BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – Suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, says he is approaching the Court of Appeals to quash the conviction slammed on him by Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

The CCT, sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, convicted the former CJN on the six-count charge preferred against him by the Federal Government.

The Danladi Umar-led three-man panel Tribunal expressed satisfaction that the Federal Government successfully proved its allegation that Onnoghen who had voluntarily resigned his position as CJN on April 4, 2019 acted in breach of the code of conduct for public officers in the country.

But Justice Onnoghen, through his counsel, Mr Okon Efut (SAN), hinted that they were ready to appeal against the CCT’s conviction.

After the Tribunal’s ruling, the former Chief Law Officer of the country shunned media interview, but his lawyer insisted that the judgment was in breach of the fundamental principles of natural justice, equity and good conscience.

According to the Senior lawyer, the verdict was premeditated, alleging that the CCT had on January 23, 2019 when it granted the ex-parte order President Muhammadu Buhari relied upon on January 25, to remove Justice Onnoghen from office as the CJN, exposed its bias position on the case.

He further alleged thus: “The journey has ended today because everything that has a beginning must have an end. So, this day, we have heard that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) has been convicted and sentenced. The conviction is out of order, it is unconstitutional. It is a breach of fair hearing because before this day, on the January 23, the same judgment had been passed before now, removing the CJN without a fair hearing.

“So, it was a fait accompli, it was premeditated gas judgment had been passed before today. So today’s judgment is just a formality and we hold the view that the tribunal has not only breached the constitution of Nigeria, it has breached the fundamental principles of natural justice, equity and good conscience.”

Mr Efut also stated that; “It has not only been able to pass judgment, it has convicted for an offence that was never charged and this is an erosion of the fundamental principles of our constitution.

“Until some questions are answered, for instance, why is it that the due course of justice was not allowed to flow? Why was judgment passed on January 23 before today, removing the CJN? Why is it that today, even after the CJN had tendered his notice of voluntary retirement and the NJC has taken a position, why is it that the tribunal has gone ahead to pass a judgment in total disregard of the independence of the NJC, in total disregard of the powers of the Senate in this matter?

“We hold a view that the Tribunal, in reversing itself in the case of Ngwuta, has breached the principle that holds us together. This is a sad day in our nation’s democracy and we know that all is not over with this matter. The wheel of justice grinds slowly but surely.”

Justice Onnoghen’s counsel vowed that; “This is not a matter that will end here. We shall avail ourselves of all the processes, the hierarchy of the judiciary and we know that the judiciary will redeem itself even though seriously battered and bruised.”

Mr Efut, who expressed faith in the nation’s judiciary to ensure justice is done to all, said; “The judiciary will do justice. Justice has not been done today, but it will surely be done tomorrow; if not by the Tribunal, but by our God. Justice will be done by our God.”