In a startling revelation, Chief Edwin Clark, a prominent elder statesman and leader of the Ijaw nation, has accused former President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, of orchestrating the removal of Justice Walter Onnoghen, the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Clark claims that this move was designed to enable electoral manipulation during the 2019 presidential election. According to Clark, Buhari and Malami sought to remove Onnoghen because of his potential resistance to their alleged misdeeds surrounding the election.
Buhari’s Alleged Motivation for Onnoghen’s Removal
In a letter to the current Chief Justice, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Clark voiced his dismay at the unconstitutional ousting of Onnoghen. He contended that the suspension, which occurred just months before the 2019 elections, was a calculated attempt by Buhari to secure a second term. Clark emphasized that Onnoghen’s continued tenure would have prevented the implementation of certain questionable actions tied to the election process.
Clark referred to the ousting as a “disgraceful, callous, unjust, and barbaric” act, accusing Buhari of abusing his power to humiliate Onnoghen. He argued that the president’s actions undermined both the judicial system and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process. For Clark, this episode remains one of the most shameful chapters in Nigeria’s recent political history.
Clark Criticizes Silence of Legal Institutions
Clark also faulted the silence of key Nigerian institutions, including the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which he claims failed to challenge Onnoghen’s removal. While he expressed satisfaction with the recent Court of Appeal judgment that acquitted Onnoghen of all charges related to his asset declaration, Clark pointed out that it was crucial for legal bodies to defend the integrity of the judiciary in such high-profile cases.
Justice Onnoghen’s acquittal marks the end of a long and contentious battle, which Clark believes was a reflection of the power struggles that often hinder justice in Nigeria. He commended Onnoghen for enduring the “ordeal” he faced during the previous administration and praised the court for its role in upholding fairness.
Clark Calls on President Tinubu to Enforce Accountability
With the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu, Clark urged the new administration to reject the notion of “sacred cows” in governance. He stressed that no individual, including former leaders, should be above the law. In his letter, Clark called on President Tinubu to act decisively to hold accountable those who abuse their power for political gain, regardless of their position or history.
Furthermore, Clark emphasized the need for urgent action to restore trust in Nigeria’s political and legal systems, highlighting that impunity has allowed corruption to fester unchecked. He implored Tinubu to ensure that past injustices, such as the removal of Onnoghen, are addressed fairly.
Government’s Justification for Onnoghen’s Suspension
In response to Clark’s claims, sources within the former Buhari administration defended the suspension of Justice Onnoghen. An anonymous official maintained that Onnoghen’s failure to declare his assets, as required by law, justified his removal from office. They referred to Onnoghen’s own admission of non-compliance with asset declaration requirements, arguing that this was a clear violation of Nigeria’s constitution.
The official also suggested that the decision to suspend Onnoghen was a legal one, based on the actions of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, which had brought charges against him. While acknowledging the political nature of the situation, the source insisted that the suspension was a matter of upholding the law, not a targeted political move.
A Call for Justice and Unity in Nigerian Governance
As the debate over Onnoghen’s removal continues, Clark’s message remains clear: Nigeria must rise above partisan interests and enforce the rule of law. By holding leaders accountable for their actions, Clark argues, the nation can begin to heal from the injustices that have plagued its political system. He called on all Nigerians to join in the fight for a more transparent, just, and equal society where the law applies equally to all, regardless of status or past achievements.
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