- Edwin Clark praised CJN Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for addressing injustices against former CJN Walter Onnoghen and restoring judiciary integrity in Nigeria
- Clark criticized former President Buhari’s 2019 removal of Onnoghen, calling it unjust and a deliberate attack on judicial independence
Elder statesman Edwin Clark has praised Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for addressing the injustices faced by her predecessor, Justice Walter Onnoghen.
In an open letter on Sunday, Clark commended Kekere-Ekun for her dedication to justice and efforts to restore the judiciary’s integrity.
“I have decided to commend the Chief Justice of Nigeria for resolving the humiliation inflicted on the brilliant former CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen,” Clark wrote.
He also emphasized the importance of an independent and incorruptible judiciary, saying, “Nigerians are behind you and praying for you daily because without an efficient judiciary, Nigeria risks becoming a failed state.”
Clark criticized former President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 removal of Onnoghen, calling it a “shame” and describing it as “disgraceful, callous, unjust, and barbaric.” He argued the action was a deliberate attempt to undermine judicial independence.
“Humiliating a whole Chief Justice of Nigeria, another arm of government, must be condemned and even brought to trial,” Clark stated.
He also questioned the appropriateness of inviting individuals responsible for such actions to official state functions, describing it as unpatriotic.
Onnoghen’s case recently saw resolution when the Court of Appeal in Abuja discharged and acquitted him on November 4 of charges related to false asset declaration filed by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).