The Cross River State Caucus in the National Assembly on Tuesday asked President Muhammadu Buhari to forward name of Justice Samuel Walter Onnoghen for confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria before February 10.
The National Judicial Council on October 13 had recommended Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria and he was sworn in as acting CJN on November 10 by President Buhari.
Addressing newsmen, the federal lawmakers from Cross River State expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment of Onnoghen in acting capacity and that it will elapse by February 10.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Senator John Enoh asked President Buhari to quickly forward the name Onnoghen to the Senate for confirmation as recommended by National Judicial Council.
In his words: “We therefore call on the President to act in a clear and decisive manner now by transmitting without further delay the name of Justice Samuel Onnoghen to the Senate for confirmation as Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria as recommended by the National Judicial Council.
“This will bring to an end the swirling speculation of vendetta against the revered justice and restore confidence in our judiciary.
“Any action contrary to this will convey and validate growing sentiments of vendetta.
“For avoidance of doubt, in exercising its constitutional powers in this instance, the National Judicial Council was transparent and followed laid down procedures and processes.
“By appointing Hon. Onnoghen as Acting chief Justice of Nigeria, the President has foreclosed any insinuation as to incompetence or any disabling factor for him to be made Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria.
“Under these circumstances, the continuous delay of the President to forward Onnoghen to the Senate for confirmation without any lawful and constitutional cause has brought the issue of the independence of the Judiciary and security of tenure of Judges to doubt and public discourse.
“It has opened the floodgate of political and social insinuation and entrenched the perception of ethno-regional prejudice and politization of Judiciary.
“This is most unfortunate.”
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