Buhari Gripped by Panic- Atiku

Atiku Accuses Buhari of Desperation Over Onnoghen’s Suspension

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Muhammadu Buhari over the suspension of Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, describing the decision as a sign of desperation ahead of the 2019 presidential election.

Atiku said the timing of the suspension was particularly troubling because it came as Onnoghen was preparing to inaugurate election petition tribunals ahead of the February 16 presidential poll.

He argued that the move raised serious concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the credibility of the forthcoming elections.

According to Atiku, the legal issues surrounding the allegations against Onnoghen were already before the courts and should have been allowed to run their course.

He questioned why the Federal Government considered it necessary to suspend the Chief Justice before the courts had reached a final decision on the matter.

Atiku urged members of the judiciary to remain united and resist any attempt to undermine the independence of the judicial arm of government.

He described the judiciary as the last hope of ordinary Nigerians and an important institution for protecting the country’s democracy.

The PDP candidate also appealed to the international community to pay close attention to developments in Nigeria and support efforts aimed at protecting democratic institutions and ensuring credible elections.

He further called on Nigerians to express their views through the ballot box, arguing that the 2019 election would provide voters with an opportunity to determine the direction of the country.

Atiku maintained that the suspension of Onnoghen represented a serious threat to democratic governance and urged Nigerians to defend the independence of the judiciary and the Constitution.