An elder statesman, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hit out at critics of the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen, especially Atiku Abubakar whom he said doesn’t know the difference between a suspension and a sacking.
The former Lagos State governor claimed that President Buhari was actually fair in this matter, pointing out that if the CJN is innocent then he would simply take his role back.
He hit out at all those who were against the President’s decision simply don’t have a proper understanding of the matter.
“Buhari actually exercised considerable restraint in this matter. He has reasonably balanced concerns about the integrity of the judiciary with concerns for the individual rights of the accused.” Tinubu said in a signed statement.
“Nothing has been taken from the CJN that cannot be restored if the facts warrant such restoration.
READ: I Tried to be Fair: Buhari to Igbo Leaders
“Thus, President Buhari conditionally suspended the CJN. By doing so, this allows for the case to move forward without the CCT or others fearing the CJN might use his position to unduly interfere with proceedings.
“If the CJN is exonerated, then he will return to his position. If not exonerated, then a more permanent discipline awaits him.
“This is an imminently fair and balanced approach, especially given the fact that the constitution and other laws really do not provide clear and unambiguous guidance in how to proceed in a case whether the CJN is the defendant under this unique fact pattern.
“While Atiku rails against Buhari because of this act of restraint, we can but imagine the tack Chief Obasanjo and Atiku would have taken if they presided over this situation.
“By now, they would have put CJN Onnoghen in the stocks or shipped him off to that infamous farm in Ota where he would have begun his new career in plucking poultry.”