Onnoghen’s Lawyer: Onnoghen’s case Has Revealed How Weak Judiciary Is

Adeboyega Awomolo, counsel to Walter Onnoghen, suspended chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), has described the Nigerian Judiciary system as very weak and not independent.

Onnoghen is standing trial for false asset declaration.

In a statement today, the lawyer made it known that its unreasonable that the executive arm of government is the accuser, investigator, prosecutor and judge all rolled into one.

While calling for reform, the lawyer noted that the constitution guarantees the independence of the three arms of government

Awomolo said the CCT should have tribunals established in each of the six geo-political zones of the country because monopoly “breeds corruption.”

“The executive is the accuser, investigator, prosecutor, the witness and the judge all roll together into one,” he said.

“This is unacceptable under the constitution that guarantees the independence of the three arms of government. There is urgent a need for constitutional reform.

“The Code of Conduct Tribunal must have courts established in each of the six geo-political zones of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Monopoly has the ability to breed corruption, arrogance, disregard for due processes and partiality.

“The Code of Conduct Tribunal should be a full member or part of the judiciary under section 6 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

“The 3rd lesson is that the case has clearly shown that Nigerian judiciary is very weak.”

Awomolo wondered why there was no verdict on Onnoghen’s appeal at the court of appeal six weeks after an argument.

“There is no association of Nigerian judges to speak a word. Let no public officer or judicial officer at any level throw stones because if not at all, most are as guilty as Onnoghen,” he said.

“Nobody knows who is next, a precedent has been laid.”

source https://www.naijanews.com/2019/04/01/onnoghens-lawyer-onnoghens-case-has-revealed-how-weak-judiciary-is/