Still on acting CJN

It is no longer news that for the first time in its history, Nigeria has an acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). The only time the country had an acting CJN was when the late President Umaru Yar’Adua fell ill and thus could not perform his constitutional responsibility of forwarding the name of the then CJN-designate, Aloysius Katsina-Alu, to the Senate for confirmation.

It was Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, the then outgoing CJN, that swore in Katsina-Alu as acting CJN. The nation understood the situation because at that time, the president could not perform his duties because of his health situation.

However, immediately Dr. Goodluck Jonathan assumed office, he rectified the situation and appointed Justice Katsina-Alu as the substantive CJN. In that way, the judiciary was able to run smoothly.

It is therefore right to ask if Justice Walter Onnoghen is being denied his rightful position, having secured the nods of the National Judicial Council (NJC),  Federal Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), because he is from the South? This is the question that many Nigerians have been asking since last year. Sadly, there is no answer yet.

Are there political considerations militating against Onnoghen’s appointment? Or did he commit an offence known only to the powers that be? Nigerians are waiting to see if Onnoghen will become the substantive CJN or not. If there is no head of the judiciary, how can it function properly as an arm of government? Can the National Assembly and the Presidency function properly in such a situation?

I feel that chief judges of states and the Chief Justice of Nigeria should not have to be held hostage by the governor or president. We need a constitutional amendment to reflect this.

Ishola Babatunde,

Ibadan, Oyo State.