Elder Statesman Edwin Clark Accuses Former President Buhari of Orchestrating the Removal of Justice Onnoghen to Pave the Way for Electoral Manipulation During the 2019 Presidential Election
Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark has accused former President Muhammadu Buhari and his Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, of orchestrating the removal of Justice Walter Onnoghen, Nigeria’s former Chief Justice, to enable electoral manipulation during the 2019 presidential election.
In a scathing statement, Clark described the removal of Onnoghen as “disgraceful, callous, unjust, and barbaric,” calling it a dark chapter in Nigeria’s judicial history.
Onnoghen’s Removal: “A Plot to Rig Elections”
In a letter to Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Clark applauded the recent Court of Appeal judgment acquitting Onnoghen of false asset declaration charges. He condemned the Buhari administration for exploiting constitutional powers to suspend Onnoghen unconstitutionally.
“President Buhari humiliated and oppressed Justice Onnoghen, all because he stood as a barrier to their plans for the 2019 elections,” Clark alleged. “This disgrace is one Nigeria has barely recovered from.”
He further accused Buhari of prioritising personal ambition over the nation’s constitutional sanctity. According to Clark, Onnoghen’s removal was a calculated move to smoothen Buhari’s reelection bid.
“Judiciary Was Compromised”
Clark expressed disappointment at the silence of prominent judicial bodies, such as the Nigerian Bar Association and the National Judicial Council, during Onnoghen’s suspension.
“The judiciary’s independence was undermined under Buhari’s government,” he said. “Justice Onnoghen would never have condoned the mischievous acts Buhari wanted to carry out during the election.”
Buhari’s Camp Defends Actions
An unnamed official from Buhari’s administration dismissed Clark’s accusations, arguing that Onnoghen’s suspension was lawful.
“The former CJN admitted to inconsistencies in asset declarations,” the official said. “The Code of Conduct Bureau showed he declared assets only twice – when he was appointed as acting CJN and when confirmed as CJN. This was a violation of the law.”
The source also criticised the Court of Appeal’s decision to clear Onnoghen, calling it a “political resolution.”
Calls for Reform in Judiciary
Clark lauded Justice Kekere-Ekun and the judiciary for vindicating Onnoghen.
“I am happy that the judiciary has restored Justice Onnoghen’s dignity. His ordeal was undeserved, and I hope his courage inspires reforms in the system,”
he noted.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure impartial governance, stating,
“No one, including a president, is above the law. Immunity is temporary, not a lifetime privilege.”
Public Awaits Tinubu’s Response
Clark’s remarks have reignited debates about executive interference in judicial matters. Many Nigerians now look to President Tinubu for leadership that prioritises judicial independence and fairness.
The question remains: will the current administration rise above the controversies of its predecessor?
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