Buhari’s suspension of Onnoghen ‘punctured game plan of some elements’

Shitu Kabir, presidential candidate of Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA), says President Muhammadu Buhari did not err in the suspension of Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).

He said Buhari acted in the overall interest of the masses, adding that “desperate disease needs a desperate treatment”.

Buhari suspended Onnoghen over his ongoing trial for alleged false assets declaration.

While many, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has condemned the move as unconstitutional, the presidency has insisted Buhari acted right.

Addressing a press conference on Monday in Abuja, Kabir said the suspension is “proper and timely”.

“Majority of Nigerians have now realised that but for the pre-emptive move by the president, Onnoghen would have proceeded to constitute the election petition panels,” he said.

“No wonder some interested elements are shocked that their game plan has been punctured.”

He also dismissed claims that the suspension is an attempt by the ruling political party to compromise election petitions.

“This argument, is untenable,” he said, adding: “An offence can only be reported and tried whenever discovered. The suspended CJN must be prepared to face and stand trial.

“And the burden is on His Lordship to prove his innocence as Paragraph 11.3, Part 1 of Schedule V of the 1999 Constitution deems a defendant not guilty until the contrary is proved.”