‘Suspension of Onnoghen is okay with the masses’

The Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the courage and political will to suspend Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Chief Edebiri said the action would go down well with the masses of Nigerians.

Edebiri said Nigerians who have constituted themselves into professional supporters club of corruptive tendencies should have a rethink that the wealth of the country belongs to all Nigerians and not few of them who threaten to pull down the roof each time a member of their club is accused of any wrong doing.

Speaking in a chat with newsmen, Chief Edebiri said the planned arraignment of Justice Onnoghen before the Code of Conduct Tribunal was a breakthrough in the fight against corruption in the country.

Chief Edebiri lampooned those threatening to pull down heavens because of Justice Onnoghen and described them as poor students of history.

Edebiri noted that Chief Awolowo was arraigned on phantom coup plot charges and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and his powerful political party, the Action Group did not pull down the roof.

Read Also: How Onnoghen’s trouble started

His word, “Are these people crying not aware that the Zik of Africa and the doyen of Nigerian politics and nationalism was in February 1953 charged before the Sir Foster Sutton Tribunal for alleged wrong doing regarding the finances of African Continental Bank founded by him.

“Zik with all the powers and support of a solid ethnic group did not threaten to pull down the roof of the house. He submitted to the trial which found him guilty. Zik responded by resigning as the leader of government business in the Eastern region.

“Those who hinged all their hopes on becoming the President of Nigeria through ‘Technical Knockout option (TKO) will not go back to the drawing table to strategize on how to win the people’s vote through lawful and constitutional means.

“President Buhari has taken good steps. Justice Onnoghen is not the first VIP to be put on trial. Others have been put on trial and heavens did not fall. What is strange in the CJN being made to face trial.

“Justice Onnoghen should face trial and if he is found innocent, he goes back to his work.”