Presidency keeps mum over Onnoghen’s resignation

Presidency has yet to confirm the resignation of the suspended Chief
Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, even as the news
gathers momentum.

Justice Walter Onnoghen

It was reported that Onnoghen’s resignation letter was submitted to
the Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari, by some Justices
of the apex court.

The Justices arrived at the presidential villa few minutes after
President Muhammadu Buhari left Abuja for Jordan to participate in the
World Economic Forum (WEF).

A presidency source confirmed that President Buhari had on
Thursday, before his departure to Jordan, received the National Judicial
Council’s recommendations on the petitions written against Onnoghen,
and the acting CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad.

The report was submitted to the president by his Chief of Staff,
Mallam Abba Kyari, who was accompanied by the Attorney-General and
Minister of Justice, Abubalar Malami, at about 220p.m on the fateful
day.

The Director, Information, NJC, Mr Soji Oye, had Wednesday in a
statement confirmed that the council had sent its report to President
Buhari after the conclusion of its investigation into the petitions
written against Onnoghen and the acting CJN.

All efforts to speak to presidential spokesmen, Mr Femi Adesina and
Mallam Garba Shehu, on the matter proved abortive as the duo were
outside the country on official and private engagements.

Adesina is currently on President Buhari’s entourage
to Jordan while Shehu is believed to be in Saudi Arabia on pilgrimage.