Hundreds of civil society leaders, lawyers and opposition politicians
stormed the United States, U.S. embassy in Abuja on Saturday.
The protesters demanded that the U.S intervene in the “constitutional
crisis” ignited by President Muhammadu Buhari with the removal of
Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Already, the president has appointed Justice Tanko Muhammad as the acting CJN.
The protesters, who where jointly led by CUPP spokesman, Imo
Ugochinyere, Comrade Ariyo and Charlyboy, vowed to continue sitting at
the embassy until tangible response comes out of their demand.
The group called on the NBA to announce total shut down on Monday and ban any lawyer from appearing or recognizing Muhammed.
Meanwhile, Muhammad, has urged the 250 appointed Chairmen and members
of the Election Petition Tribunals to be guided by the fear of God in
the performance of their duties.
The acting CJN stated this on Saturday in Abuja during the oath
taking and swearing in ceremony of judicial officers appointed to
oversee disputes arising from the forthcoming general elections.
“I am delighted to address you all on this occasion of the
swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed Chairmen and members of
Election Petition Tribunals for the 2019 General Elections that is
around the corner.
“As you lordships take the oath of office as chairmen and members of
the Election Petition Tribunals, let me remind you that this oath is a
solemn appeal to Almighty God.
“Therefore, it is God Almighty that you will be ultimately responsible to.
“Therefore, it is from this oath that your duties and
responsibilities as chairmen and members of the Election Petition
Tribunals in your various places of assignment spring forth and has a
binding effect.
“This is an ethical undertaking to justice as well as upholding the rule of law in our courts.
“As such, I implore you to discharge your onerous duty diligently and with the fear of God Almighty,’’ he said.
Muhammad also said: “the judiciary is in the trying time, you must
stand to protect and uphold the integrity of this arm of government’’.
“I therefore congratulate you on this appointment and I urge you to
see this assignment as a call to greater service to your nation.
“I encourage you to uphold and enhance the honour and standing of the
judiciary and I pray that the Almighty God will bestow upon you
strength, good health and wisdom in the performance of your duties’’,
Muhammad said.
