Divergent Protesters Clash During Lawyers’ Pro-Onnoghen Protest [Update]

Two groups have clashed during a protest staged in Abuja to condemn the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria [CJN], Justice Walter Nkanu Onnoghen.

Lawyers had staged a pro-CJN Onnoghen protest to challenge his sudden removal from office by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The lawyers protested at the entrance of the National Secretariat of the Nigerian Bar Association [NBA], mainly members of the National Interest Defenders and Lawyers in Defense of Democracy.

They carried placards with various inscription condemning the President Buhari-led federal government for the suspension.

The inscriptions on the placards read:

• “Tanko Mohammed, stop parading yourself as CJN;”
• “Amaechi, El-Rufai, Akpabio, Malami, APC: brains behind Onnoghen’s trial;”
• “NBA must act now by ordering lawyers to down tool;”
• “NJC must reconvene now and expel Justice Tanko Mohammed,” among others.

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However, in an unexpected twist during the protest, another group appeared with opposing placards applauding Buhari and berating the CJN.

The protesters also carried placards, some written in Hausa language and chanting pro-Buhari solidarity songs in Hausa language.

The protesters arrived at the venue in three trucks, where the members of the Nigerian Bar Association are holding theirs, thereby disrupting the rally.

CJN Onnoghen was unceremoniously removed from office following charges of non-declaration of assets at the Code of Conduct Tribunal [CCT].

CCT is an Tribunal attached to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation [SGF].

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According to Channels TV, the Pro-Buhari protesters are protesting in front of the secretariat while the NBA protesters have dispersed.

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