We are concerned about timing of Onnoghen’s suspension – EU

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) said it is concerned about the process and timing of the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

The EU, in a statement on Saturday said the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, invited the union to observe the 2019 general elections.

“The EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) is very concerned about the process and timing of the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Walter Onnoghen, on 25 January.

“With 20 days until the presidential and National Assembly elections, political parties, candidates and voters must be able to have confidence in the impartiality and independence of the judicial system.

“The decision to suspend the Chief Justice has led to many Nigerians, including lawyers and civil society observer groups, to question whether due process was followed,” it said.

According to the EU, the timing, just before the swearing in of justices for Electoral Tribunals and the hearing of election-related cases, had also raised concerns about the opportunity for electoral justice.

“The EU EOM calls on all parties to follow the legal processes provided for in the Constitution and to respond calmly to any concerns they may have.

“The EU EOM will continue observing all aspects of the election, including the independence of the election administration, the neutrality of security agencies, and the extent to which the judiciary can and does fulfill its election-related responsibilities,” the statement said.