Politics
Still On Onnoghen’s Sack
The suspension of the embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, last Friday, January 25, by Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, has expectedly attracted numerous comments, both in favour and against the action.
In fact, if for nothing else, discussions so far have placed keen followers of the entire issue in better stead regarding the power of the office of the CJN, what the Rule of Law means to the leadership, and the extent leadership can, and is capable of going to attain set goals. By extension, it also makes it clear when leadership doesn’t have the will to do something.
In the midst of the various contributions to the issue, two schools of thought stand out: those in favour of the President’s decision, and those against it. Understandably, those who pitch their tents under these two are guided by either their personal, political, or group interests, which ultimately downplays the interest of the people, and hence the essence of democracy, which they all claim to protect.
Beyond these two categories of commentators, however, there is an almost infinitesimal few, who truly qualify as critics of the entire political melodrama scripted and acted by those who ordinarily should be the protectors and defenders of the kind of democracy Nigeria needs at this point of her self-rule. It is this few that truly critiques the issue.
Rather than stand and enforce what is right for a true change from the status quo, and therefore can stand the test of time as is done in the developed climes, all in the majority first two categories are esoterically busy advocating for a repeat of what they had always claimed to abhor.
To the discerning mind, the truth is that as events play out, these majority categories only end up hanging unto what in the real sense can be described as strands of straws in their quest to record perceived political victories. Even when doing this meant nailing the coffin on Nigeria’s fourth attempt at democracy, they do not seem to give a damn. As far as they are concerned, it’s all about just winning and losing in the now.
In all of the contributions so far, there are salient areas in which all seem unanimous about the good or bad of it. One of such areas is the fact that Justice Onnoghen was wrong to have not declared all his assets. The other is that if he is found to be guilty, he should face the wrath of the law, as stipulated by, and in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
As easy and simple as it is to appreciate these two points of unanimity between the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the opposition, led by the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), the level and extent of acceptance of these two points of agreement is also the bone of contention.
First, going by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), both parties agree that the President does not have the sole power to suspend the CJN. If he must, it has to be on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), and with the support of two third majority of the National Assembly.
Specifically, the Nigerian Constitution requires in Section 292 that a serving judge must first be investigated and indicted by the NJC before dismissal or trial for misconduct in open courts.
The disagreement here is that while those against Onnoghen’s suspension say the NJC has not tried him, those in favour say the matter cannot be taken to NJC because Justice Onnoghen as the CJN is the Chairman of the NJC, hence he cannot superintend in his matter.
They do not even want to risk the moral fact that legally, no one is allowed to be a judge in his own matter, and that the membership of the NJC will have to ask Onnoghen to step aside as Chairman of the NJC while hearing takes place in the matter.
Meanwhile, those in favour of the President’s action also justify their stand by citing what they believe to be a similar judgement in which former President Goodluck Jonathan was said to have sacked the then President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami.
But the opposition wasted no time in correcting this, saying that the NJC under the Chairmanship of then CJN, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, duly investigated the allegation of lying on oath against Salami, found him guilty and gave him options, one of which was for him to apologise to the CJN, who he lied against, and the NJC. He was found guilty by two separate panels set up by the NJC.
But, rather than apologise, Justice Salami went to court. He was subsequently sacked on the recommendation of the NJC, and with the required two third support from the National Assembly.
More so, the opposition further faults President Buhari’s hasty decision in suspending Onnoghen and immediately appointing and swearing in Tanko Muhammed as Acting CJN, and making him commence his functions almost immediately, with his appointment of 250 election tribunal members, without recourse to Section 290 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Section 290 (1) states: “A person appointed to any judicial office shall not begin to perform the functions of that office until he has declared his assets and liabilities as prescribed under this Constitution, and has subsequently taken and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance and the judicial Oath prescribed in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution”.
While Tanko has taken Oath of Office, he has not declared his assets as required by Section 290 of the Constitution, yet he has performed a function of the office he occupies. Herein lies the soul of the political underpinnings of the matter.
While explaining why Justice Onnoghen is not likely to have justice in this matter, before his suspension, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) stated as follows:
“There was no way the Chief Justice of Nigeria (Onnoghen) will get justice from the hand-picked Code of Conduct Tribunal appointed and reorganized structurally by the Presidency shortly after the Chairman of the Tribunal acquitted the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki of all charges of failure to declare his assets.
“The CJN headed the appellate panel that finally nailed the coffin of the Presidency’s plot to sustain a case against the main political rival of the current President in the person of the Senate President.
“This politically-motivated war against the CJN is a payback for his principled stand to discharge and acquit Saraki of all charges as framed up by the Executive through the Federal Attorney General”.
Critics have deduced that it is clear that the Executive branch of the Government has desired the ouster of the CJN from office. To actualise the objective, it chose to work closely with a shadowy NGO to dig up Onnoghen’s infractions of provisions of the Code of Conduct for public officers, many of which predated the appointment of Justice Onnoghen as the CJN in 2017.
Thus, the motive for using the infractions now against Onnoghen is the feared harm the Judiciary, presided over by the CJN could do to the political interests of the ruling party, especially regarding pre-election cases and election petitions.
Ordinarily, going by the Nigerian version of politics, which in local parlance is christened politics of ”do me, I do you”, President Buhari would have owed no one any explanation, morally, that is. But the President’s Achilles’ heel is in his determination to still flaunt his integrity in the entire unfolding do me, I do you, even after he had promised Change from it from the onset.
The followership of the ruling party are always hasty to say as a slogan that fighting corruption must start from somewhere: “if Buhari decides to start with his opponents in his tenure, let another person do so in his own tenure”, they would easily say.
Impliedly, the “do me, I do you” continues, with the country’s democracy paying the price, and the people being worse off at the end of the day, which explains why Nigeria is still learning to crawl after 58 years.
For all it’s worth, it can only insult the psyche of the populace, as it were, to tie the removal of the CJN to the quest to institute the rule of law, especially given the manner the Executive has gone about it. What the Executive is doing amounts to an inconsiderate abuse of power, with no consideration, whatsoever, of its negative effect on the polity, which is not only a dangerous precedence, but also capable of portending ill wind.
At best, it will momentarily create the intended fear in the Judiciary, and sundry selected sections of governance. It may also give the Executive the free hand to do whatever it deems fit, if the people are so carefree enough to live in the so-coined totalitarian democracy. But there’s no doubt that the people are wiser, and they require democratic governance.
For the new Acting CJN, Justice Tanko Mohammed, he spoke well when he charged the 250 members of election tribunals he appointed, being his first function in the position.
“The Judiciary”, he said, “is in a trying time. You must, and, I repeat, you must stand to protect and uphold the integrity of this arm of government. If any other person is trying to destroy it, we should try to protect it. If we don’t protect it ourselves, no one else will protect it for us. Therefore, it is our bounding duty to see that we protect the Judiciary wherever you find yourselves”.
It’s only time that can tell the sincerity, or otherwise, of the statement.
Soibi Max-Alalibo
Fubara gave the charge on Wednesday while declaring open the 126th, 127th and 128th Combined Quarterly Meeting of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, in Port Harcourt.
The governor said the primary function of traditional rulers is to administer justice and ensure fairness, saying their conduct must not lead to division and unmanageable crises.
“Let me therefore, request, if that is the right word to use, that please, as we are entering into this political season actively, everyone should ensure that your conduct promoted peace in your place. Your actions should not be what would lead to the division and multiple crisis that we cannot manage as a government.
“I think with that, we can all live as one and we can also continue to make this progress that we are trying with all our mind, our body and our soul, to ensure that we deliver to our dear State,” he said.
Fubara urged the royal fathers to abide by the oath and constitution they swore to before ascending their respective stools, in the interest of stability and progress of the State.
He also enjoined them to set aside individual sentiments and place the interest of Rivers State above personal considerations, noting that this principle has guided his own day-to-day governance of the State.
“I want to enjoin everyone to keep aside issues of individual sentiments and ensure that the interest of our state supersedes whatever thing that we have in our mind. This is not just what I’m saying here, it is what I’ve also practiced and displayed in my day-to-day life in the governance of our dear State,” he said.
On the appeal for improved welfare for traditional rulers, the governor clarified that the delay in actualising some of the requests they made in the past was not from the government but from the inability of the Council to put its house in order.
Fubara explained that the issue of stipends paid to the traditional rulers by the local government councils, was a statutory benefit provided for in the constitution and not what a state governor can change by mere verbal pronouncements.
He assured that he remains a man of his word and will fulfill his promises to the traditional rulers before leaving office, next year.
He reaffirmed his respect for the traditional institution as custodians of culture and the closest link to the people, thanking them for their prayers and support.
The governor urged the royal fathers to ensure that the combined quarterly meeting featured fruitful deliberations that will strengthen peace and development in the State.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu Wodo, expressed profound gratitude to the State Government for its efforts in maintaining a cordial relationship with the traditional institution.
Wodo highlighted the importance of traditional rulers in conflict resolution, noting that their closeness to the people places them in a strategic position to mediate in disputes involving chieftaincy matters, family disputes and land ownership in their respective communities.
The royal father drew the attention of the State Government to some challenges affecting the performance of the traditional institution, particularly the lack of official utility vehicles and logistical support needed to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
He also appealed for improved monthly stipends and better welfare provisions to reflect prevailing economic realities.
News
FG Must Address Nigerians’ Concerns On Reforms -Shettima …Warns Against Misuse of AI, Social Media
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the Federal Government to pay greater attention to Nigerians’ concerns about ongoing economic reforms, insisting that public confidence must be built through transparent communication, credible evidence of progress and responsiveness to citizens’ experiences.
Shettima made the call yesterday at The Duke’s Masterclass 2026, held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where he was represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Dr Tope Fasua.
The Vice President said the success of the administration’s economic policies would depend not only on their implementation but also on the government’s ability to demonstrate tangible results and address the challenges confronting citizens.
“Government must continue to communicate, however, its policies clearly, demonstrate progress with credible evidence, and listen attentively to the experiences of citizens,” he said.
Shettima defended the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, including petrol subsidy removal, foreign exchange market liberalisation, fiscal restructuring and revenue mobilisation, describing them as measures intended to correct longstanding economic distortions and strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity.
He explained that the policies were designed to attract investment, improve business confidence, enhance the deployment of public resources and establish conditions for sustainable economic growth.
However, he maintained that announcing policies was insufficient without building public understanding and confidence in their implementation.
The Vice President particularly challenged Nigeria’s elite, professionals and middle class to acknowledge the difficulties facing ordinary citizens while explaining the objectives of the reforms.
“Your role is not to defend every government action uncritically, nor to dismiss the concerns of citizens. It is to help create a more informed and constructive national conversation,” he stated.
He urged professionals engaging traders to recognise the pressures confronting businesses and advised those interacting with young graduates to acknowledge employment challenges while encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.
According to him, constructive criticism and informed public participation are essential to effective governance and the sustainability of economic policies.
“Constructive scrutiny strengthens governance. Informed public participation strengthens democracy,” Shettima said.
He further stressed that leadership required the flexibility to adjust policy implementation in response to evidence and changing economic circumstances without abandoning established objectives.
Turning to the challenges of artificial intelligence and social media, the Vice President warned that technological advances were increasing the speed and sophistication of misinformation, posing risks to public confidence and institutional reputations.
“A photograph can be manipulated, a voice can be cloned, and a video can be fabricated just with a simple prompt on social media to make an individual appear to have said or done something that never happened,” he warned.
Shettima urged public institutions to strengthen information verification, correct false claims transparently and communicate through trusted channels, adding that speed should never take precedence over accuracy.
He also called for improved digital literacy and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
On economic opportunities, Shettima identified banking, financial technology, oil and gas, agriculture, real estate, construction, commodity exports and the creative industry as sectors capable of supporting investment and employment.
He nevertheless acknowledged the need to address unreliable electricity, inefficient transportation, insecurity, limited access to finance and weaknesses in education and public institutions.
He called for stronger domestic production, export expansion and support for small businesses, while urging that economic opportunities be extended to women, young people and rural communities.
In his opening address, the Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Bimbo Ashiru, warned that poor leadership decisions and inadequate crisis preparedness could destroy institutional credibility.
“Reputation cannot be manufactured at the point of crisis. It is built over time through our decisions, our conduct, our values and the consistency between what we say and what we do,” he said.
Ashiru noted that geopolitical tensions, technological changes and economic disruptions were making leadership increasingly difficult, requiring organisations to strengthen accountability, transparency and crisis management.
He disclosed plans to extend the masterclass to London in March 2027.
Also speaking, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku, recounted his involvement in international conflict resolution, particularly negotiations surrounding South Africa’s transition from apartheid and political tensions in Bangladesh.
He stressed that successful mediation required a thorough understanding of the issues dividing opposing parties, the interests of their leaders and the appropriate timing of public communication.
“Because if you communicate the progress prematurely, you might sabotage the whole process,” Anyaoku said.
The Chairman of AXA Mansard and Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina, criticised Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges, arguing that public institutions and businesses should be judged by service delivery rather than explanations for poor performance.
“Rather than giving people megawatts of electricity, we are giving them excuses,” he said.
Adesina also condemned corruption, inflated public contracts and failures of accountability, warning that such practices weakened infrastructure, damaged public trust and endangered lives.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, Joseph Edgar, explained that the masterclass was designed to equip organisations and individuals with practical strategies for anticipating crises, managing their consequences and protecting institutional reputations.
He said the initiative complemented the foundation’s use of theatre to promote social cohesion and strengthen public engagement.
Hon. Chinda, who is also the preferred governorship candidate of the Rainbow Coalition, said this shortly after he was unveiled along side other candidates of the political arrangement at a grand rally in Port Harcourt.
He said the coalition was committed to ending political divisions and promoting unity among the various political parties in the state.
Hon. Chinda also promised to make Rivers State experience peace, progress and development during his tenure as governor of the state.
“We are no longer divided on party lines.We are no longer playing the politics of the winner takes it all’’, he said.
Hon. Chinda, who spoke on behalf of the other candidates of the Rainbow Coalition, said the coalition’s vision extends beyond electoral victory, adding that its proposed government would accommodate people, irrespective of political affiliations, gender and religious belief.
“We are going to run a government for the people, with the best interests of Rivers people first,” he said.
Hon. Chinda also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, for bringing political stakeholders together under the umbrella of the Rainbow Coalition, while lauding Governor Siminalayi Fubara for presenting flags to the candidates.
He expressed optimism that the alliance would promote peaceful elections, a smooth transition of power and development projects capable of improving the lives of Rivers residents.
While presenting flags to chosen candidates of the Rainbow Coalition, Governor Fubara called on members of the Coalition and his supporters to put past disagreements behind them and work together under a common leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He acknowledged Chief Wike’s role in his political journey and described the Minister of the FCT as the leader of the Rainbow Coalition.
Governor Fubara said the political groups had come together as one family and should no longer maintain separate camps.
He also pledged to support the coalition’s candidates and President Tinubu’s re-election bid, expressing optimism that cooperation among political stakeholders would strengthen the alliance.
Also speaking, Chief Wike urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties across the country to support President Tinubu’s re-election.
He called on politicians to set aside party differences and work together towards the coalition’s political objectives.
Chief Wike said the Rainbow Coalition represents a common political platform for stakeholders from different parties who had agreed to support the President and candidates seeking elective offices in Rivers State.
He also urged PDP members in Rivers, Kwara, Ogun and other states to support President Tinubu, while calling for support for the coalition’s candidates contesting the governorship, National Assembly and Rivers State House of Assembly elections.
The former Rivers State governor also addressed divisions within the PDP, rejecting attempts to portray him as merely a factional leader of the party.
He further criticised some opposition figures over their political ambitions and records in public office, particularly former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Meanwhile, former Senator Magnus Abe has also called on Mr Amaechi to withdraw from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential arrangement with Alhaji Abubakar and support President Tinubu.
Senator Abe argued that the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria, insisting that political leaders should respect the principle of power rotation between the North and South.
He recalled the controversy surrounding former President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid, arguing that Mr Amaechi had previously opposed Dr Jonathan’s ambition on the grounds of power rotation.
“Today, the same man who led us to go against our son and our brother is now trying to lead us to go and support somebody from the North when it is the turn of the South.
“On behalf of all of us here gathered in Rivers State, we want to call on Amaechi to immediately respect his own position and resign as the vice-presidential candidate to Atiku Abubakar, because it is the turn of the South, and Rivers State will stand by the agreement between the North and the South,” he said.
Senator Abe also reaffirmed the coalition’s support for President Tinubu, declaring: “We are not just with Tinubu, We are with Tinubu. We are for Tinubu. We are by Tinubu. We are in Tinubu. We are Tinubu here in this coalition”, Senator Abe declared.
The event featured the presentation of candidates for various elective positions under the Rainbow Coalition.
John Bibor, Ephraim Godslove, Lazarus Ada, Chidibem Juliet & Okugbere Oghenetijiri
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