Silencing the judiciary will lead to the end of Nigeria, says Onnoghen

Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), says the attempt to “pocket” the judiciary will lead to the end of the country.

Onnoghen said this on Wednesday while fielding questions from legislators during his confirmation hearing.

The supreme court justice also said conflicting court judgements were bound to happen because parties file different briefs in different courts on the same matter.

“Pocketing the judiciary will not be possible, the moment you pocket the judiciary, that will be the end of the country,” Onnoghen said.

“Conflicting judgements are bound to happen when you go to judge A in Abuja, and judge B in Sokoto, you file different processes.

“Judge A may allow the application and judge B may dismiss it.”

He assured the senate that the country’s judiciary would be independent under his stewardship, saying there would be no room for “compromise.”

Onnoghen said it would be better for Nigerians to have a mindset that the stronger cases in court would always win.

He added that the judiciary would not object if the government opted for special court to try corruption cases, but said that would not make much difference.

He explained that if the prosecution in any instance had done its work properly, justice would be dispensed speedily.

“You need to get an effective investigator. The judges are always ready for trial,” Onnoghen said.

The senate confirmed him on Wednesday. Onnoghen is the first chief judge from the south in 30 years.