From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Second republic senator and former secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Warri, Chief Edwin Clark, has commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for her decisive actions in addressing the injustices faced by former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen.
In the letter titled: ‘A new dawn in the judiciary,’ Clark reflected his deep concern for the integrity of Nigeria’s legal system and the need for reforms.
“I have today decided to extol the Chief Justice of Nigeria for resolving into finality the humiliation meted to the brilliant former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen,” Clark stated, emphasising the importance of justice and accountability. He expressed his belief that the almighty God would definitely reward the CJN when the day comes.
This marks his second open letter to Kekere-Ekun, whom he commended for her appointment as CJN following the expiration of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’s tenure, which he described as leading “us deep into unknown destination.’
He reminisced about his involvement in Kano State politics, where he witnessed Kekere-Ekun’s commitment to combating corruption during her time on the Court of Appeal. “You were one of those judges who did everything to clear corruption from the body polity of Kano State,” he noted.
Clark recalled a significant quote from Kekere-Ekun, “It is trite that the exercise of discretion must be done judiciously, taking into account all circumstances… to determine whether it is just and equitable.” This commitment to fairness, Clark said, resonated with many Nigerians who now look up to her for genuine reforms within the judiciary.
Clark asserted: “Nigerians are behind you and they are praying for you every day because without an efficient and incorruptible judiciary, Nigeria will end up as a failed country.” He underscored the urgency of cleaning up the judiciary, stating that it has been her home for years.
Clark also addressed the treatment of Onnoghen, declaring: “A Daniel has come to judgment, and condemned the actions taken against him by former President Muhammadu Buhari and Attorney General Abubakar Malami.” He urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration not to protect corrupt officials, asserting that “there is no one who is above the law in his own country.”
He drew parallels with international leaders facing trials, remarking that “a president is just one of the ordinary members in the country,” highlighting that immunity should not equate to lifelong protection from accountability.
Clark lamented that many corrupt leaders evade scrutiny while accusing their successors of wrongdoing.
On Onnoghen’s controversial suspension on January 25, 2019, Clark criticised Buhari’s actions as disgraceful and unjust. “To humiliate a whole Chief Justice of Nigeria must be condemned,” he asserted.
He recalled how Buhari suspended Onnoghen without involving the National Judicial Council (NJC) and appointed Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed as acting CJN. “The National Judicial Commission did not challenge this action while Justice Onnoghen was shamefully humiliated out of service,” he noted.
Clark expressed his outrage over Onnoghen’s conviction by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, which led to his removal from office and a 10-year ban from holding public office. “The tribunal’s judgment was an assault on the judiciary by the executive,” he stated, reflecting widespread sentiments among civil society groups at the time.
Clark expressed joy at reports of reconciliation between Onnoghen and the judiciary.
“I am, therefore, very happy to have read that both the judiciary, particularly the Court of Appeal and the former CJN, Justice Onnoghen have come to an amicable settlement and I wholeheartedly congratulate him for passing out the ordeal he was subjected to by the former President and I pray that God will protect him and for him to always have the courage to fight for his right because Nigeria belongs to all of us and we are all equal citizens,” he wrote.
He reaffirmed his belief in equality before the law, saying, “Nigeria belongs to all of us and we are all equal citizens.”