Ekweremadu asks FG to withdraw charges against Onnoghen

Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, has asked the federal government to withdraw the charges against Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), and apologise to the judiciary.

TheCable had reported that there were moves to remove the CJN before the general election.

Onnoghen was accused of false assets declaration.

In a statement on Monday, Ekweremadu said the development is dangerous to the country’s democracy.

He said integrity of the judiciary remained intact despite obvious constraints.

“I consider the charges against the chief justice of Nigeria, His Lordship, Justice Walter Onnoghen, as ill-advised and dangerous, especially after similar attempts at the leadership of the national assembly failed,” the senator said.

“This is extremely dangerous for democracy and can only divide the country further as well as alienate us as country very low in upholding the rule of law and independence of the judiciary.

“I advice the attorney-general of the federation to immediately withdraw the charges and apologise to the judiciary. We certainly can’t travel this road.”