The recently suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, has filed a lawsuit against the Federal government over his suspension.
According to TheCable, the suit was filed by Wole Olanipekun, Adegboyega Awomolo, Kanu Agabi and James Onoja who are acting in the capacity of his legal representatives.
Onnoghen is currently facing the Code of Conduct Tribunal over allegations of false asset declaration which ultimately led to his suspension by President Muhammadu Buhari and his replacement by Tanko Mohammed.
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The appeal by the CJN read in part: “The chairman and a member of the Code of Conduct Tribunal erred in law and violated the right of the appellant (Onnoghen) to a fair hearing when they made the order ex parte that he (Onnoghen) shall step aside as CJN and Chairman of the National Judicial Council over allegations of contravening provisions of the Code of Conduct and Tribunal Act Cap C15 Laws of the Federation 2004 pending the determination of the motion on notice dated January 10, 2019,”
The National Judicial Council (NJC) have met over the issue and they gave the CJN 7 days to respond to the allegations filed against him and on the other hand they also gave Tanko Mohammed 7 days to respond to a petition against him.
The petition accuses Mohammed of making himself available for the role of CJN without due consultation and approval of the NJC.