The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) has issued stern warning to the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government over the ongoing trial of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen.
BOSAN also issued warning to the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) as the trial lingers.
The Senior Advocates of Nigeria [SANs] gave the warning in a communique containing the resolutions of the meeting held at Lagos and signed by Professor Ben Nwabueze [SAN[.
The meeting held at the Nigerian Law School, Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday 19th January, 2019.
During the meeting, which considered issues of national importance, BOSAN resolved as follows:
- The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria deplores the situation that has arisen from the preferment of charges against the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and head of the Nigerian Judiciary before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
- The Body urges respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, separation of powers, due process and the proper administration of justice.
- In the prevailing circumstances, all parties are urged to consider the impact of their respective actions on the administration of justice in Nigeria and public confidence in our institutions.
- The Body recognises that the matter is subjudice (before the CCT and other courts) and we refrain from commenting on the merits or otherwise of any of the cases.
- The Body considers that these issues must be resolved carefully and responsibly in the interest of the legal profession and the nation.
- The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria continues to endorse the core values of good governance, public integrity and sustenance of democracy in the spirit of the Constitution.
It could be recalled that CJN Onnoghen is under trial over failure to declare his assets in full.
His trial followed a petition by a non-governmental organisation revealing heinous amounts undeclared by the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
