NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash - Politics - Nairaland
Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash (2714 Views)
NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Walter Onnoghen Compulsorily Over $1.7m Cash / Onnoghen: CUPP Releases ‘Leaked’ NJC Resolution, Says Onnoghen To Retire / Embattled Justice Onnoghen To Be Replaced By Justice Tanko Ibrahim Mohammed (2) (3) (4)
| NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by kahal29: 2:35am On Apr 04, 2019 |
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the compulsory retirement of the Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Walter Onnoghen, based on “incontrovertible” findings on him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC). It asked President Muhammadu Buhari to give effect to the recommendation immediately. But the NJC urged the President to allow Justice Onnoghen retain his seat as a former CJN in the Council of State. The council also said the CJN should be retired with full benefits. According to a source, who pleaded not to be named “because of the sensitivity of the matter”, the compulsory retirement of Justice Onnoghen was the major highlight of NJC’s meeting yesterday. All NJC members were said to have decided not to comment on the meeting because “it would not be right to do so when a letter has been sent to the President on their decision.” He should get the letter before any comment, the source said. The source said: “The NJC has been able to navigate the most challenging moment for the nation’s judiciary by recommending compulsory retirement of Onnoghen with full benefits. “The NJC specifically demanded that the CJN be allowed to take his eminent position in the Council of State like his predecessors. “If these recommendations are accepted, the Executive may be on the same page with the Judiciary by staying action on the ongoing trial and other pending trials of the CJN.” The NJC may have adopted a “win-win approach” to ensure that the Executive and the Judiciary are on the same page.” Another source familiar with how the NJC arrived at its decision said the “EFCC’s report on Justice Onnoghen was damning and incontrovertible”. The anti-graft agency accused the CJN of “being in possession of funds which are fairly not attributable to his known, provable and legitimate source of income”. The opening of a dollar account in Standard Chartered Bank for the CJN by a lawyer, Joe Agi, with $30,000 was said to be unhealthy. The EFCC had accused Justice Onnoghen of being unable to account for curious deposits in his accounts. The anti-graft commission alleged that deposits had accumulated to $1,716, 000. The amounts in the said account were deposited as follows: $74,200 (2009); $291,800 (2010); $340,000 (2011); $625,000 (2012); $298,000 (2013); $40,000 (2015) and $47,000 (2016). The total was $1,716,000. The agency also accused Justice Onnoghen of depositing $1,716,000 in a United States dollar account operated with the Standard Chartered Bank in 2009, marked as exhibit P4 C, between 2009 and 2016. The petition said: “From the evidence on record, it is clear that the Respondent failed to declare all the accounts and funds in exhibit P4-P4D when he declared his 2014 asset in November 2016. Your lordship will observe that the Respondent only declared his salary account with the Union Bank exhibit P3 and failed to declare P4-P4D, which are the accounts that warehoused funds that are far above the Respondent’s known and provable lawful income. “My lords, by the provisions of Rule 1.2 of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, it is clear that because members of the public expect a high standard of conduct from a judge, the Respondent is under the obligation to avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all his activities both in his professional and private life. It is our submission my lords, that any conduct of the Respondent that give rise to the appearance of impropriety is a judicial misconduct and same is punishable under the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers. “It is our humble submission that the petitioner proved before this Honourable Panel that the Respondent was in possession of funds which are fairly not attributable to his known, proveable and legitimate source of income. The evidence shows that my lord earned a monthly salary in the sum of N750,819.87, which is about N9,000,000.00 per annum. My lords, as shown in exhibit P10A page 14 paragraph XXVI, the Respondent only earned the sum of N91,962,362.49 as salary between September 2005 and October 2016. It is also on record that the exhibit P3 is the salary account of my lord wherein his salaries are paid. “My lords, the evidence before this Honourable Committee shows clearly that the Respondent opened United State Dollars account with the Standard Chartered Bank in 2009, exhibit P4 C. This USD account was opened by Mr. Joe Agi SAN and the first cash depositor of United States of America dollars into the said account. We humbly refer my lords to the entry of the 29th day of June,2009. “Though the Respondent claimed that he was the one who gave the learned SAN, Joe Agi the $30,000.00 to deposit to exhibit P4C, the Respondent could not give any reasonable explanation as to the source of this money. My lords, the Respondent admitted under cross-examination that the USD was not his salary and that he only received dollars as estacodes which is meant for his official trips. “My lords, upon the opening of the USD account exhibit P4C, a lot of cash deposits in Dollars were made to this account. The evidence before my lords is that between 2009 and 2016 a lot of cash deposits were made into exhibit P4C. “My lords, from the evidence before this Honourable Panel, it is clear that these huge sums of money were not earned by the Respondent as his salaries and allowances. It is our humble submission that the burden of proving the legitimate source or origin of the sum of $1,716,000.00 lies heavily on the Respondent.” The amounts in the said account were deposited as follows: $74,200 (2009); $291,800 (2010); $340,000 (2011); $625,000 (2012); $298,000 (2013); $40,000 (2015) and $47,000 (2016). The total was $1,716,000. http://thenationonlineng.net/njc-advises-buhari-to-retire-onnoghen-over-1-7m-cash/ 4 Likes 2 Shares
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| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by kahal29: 2:38am On Apr 04, 2019 |
It has happened....... Meanwhile From Cable News EXCLUSIVE: NJC Recommends Onnoghen For Retirement The National Judicial Commission (NJC) has recommended Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), for compulsory retirement, TheCable understands. After deliberating on the petition filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, members of the NJC unanimously agreed that Onnoghen has lost the moral authority to continue as CJN with the litany of allegations bordering on misconduct. The NJC — which handles disciplinary issues of judicial officers — sat under the interim leadership of Umaru Abdullahi, former president of the court of appeal, who had to act because Onnoghen was already under suspension. The council also concluded that Tanko Muhammad did not commit any offence by making himself available to be sworn in as acting CJN without the recommendation of the NJC. These recommendations have been passed to President Muhammadu Buhari for approval, Soji Oye, the council’s director of information, informed the media on Wednesday, although he did not make the details public. WHAT NEXT NOW? TheCable can report, however, that the president still has to seek the approval of the senate for Onnoghen to be retired if he wants to follow the CJN route. This will require two-thirds majority of the upper legislative chamber. Section 292 (1) of the 1999 constitution says a “judicial officer shall not be removed from his office or appointment before his age of retirement except in the following circumstances – (a) in the case of – (i) Chief Justice of Nigeria… by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate.” Onnoghen is also undergoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over allegations of false asset declaration — and if found guilty, he could be removed. ROAD TO RETIREMENT Buhari suspended Onnoghen on January 25, 2019 following an order made by the CCT. TheCable had reported how the Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative (ARDI), a civil society group, launched the legal move to remove Onnoghen. The group had filed a petition against him at the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over alleged false declaration of assets. The CCB is empowered by the constitution to investigate public officers, after which it would forward its findings to the appropriate body for trial if the allegations are confirmed. It had listed a number of allegations against Onnoghen — notably false declaration of assets. https://www.thecable.ng/exclusive-njc-recommends-onnoghen-for-retirement 2 Likes 1 Share
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| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by Larryfest(m): 2:42am On Apr 04, 2019 |
Case closed!!! 4 Likes 2 Shares |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by GavelSlam: 2:48am On Apr 04, 2019 |
You know! 1 Like 1 Share
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| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by yerokunphilips: 2:54am On Apr 04, 2019 |
Larryfest: |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by deji17: 2:56am On Apr 04, 2019 |
Like any common criminal the CJN should have his day in court to prove his innocence. 8 Likes 2 Shares |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by shugabasbn: 3:00am On Apr 04, 2019 |
If the man is guilty FG should do the needful, jail and use him as a serious example to the others but if found no guilty he should do the needful as well and let the FG pay him with public apology. No to soft landing or victimization of innocent 7 Likes 3 Shares |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by iammo(m): 3:14am On Apr 04, 2019 |
 Let's continue to defend him and other judicial /law enforcement officers. Las Las it's the same youth that suffers unlawful arrest and awaiting trial 4 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by Mace0lane: 3:30am On Apr 04, 2019 |
Another wailing thread loading for PDP wailers, like they foolishly claim Buhari does not have any integrity so he should leave Onnoghen alone. Foolish set of humans 4 Likes 2 Shares |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by Ratello: 3:36am On Apr 04, 2019 |
What a Country. Onnoghen will definitely challenge this and in the process many shocking revelations will come out from him. If confirmed that he is guilty then I personally will endorse his exit and on the other end, if Buhari is also confirmed to have lied about his certificate and assets declaration, that terrible leader or ruler must be kicked out too. Interesting times ahead......a new vista is about to be unleashed on us all from the judiciary. The Senate's two-Third approval will be the most interesting part. This is no case to me.......Onnoghen will definitely open up lots of things 2 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by Volksfuhrer(m): 3:57am On Apr 04, 2019 |
I don't understand...the source of those deposits isn't clear but we ain't sure they are not bribes...is this what the NJC is saying?  The "soft landing" clearly indicates the NJC is familiar with issues of corruption within its fold...but frankly speaking, the salary of the CJN is a big joke! 4 Likes |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by GavelSlam: 4:23am On Apr 04, 2019 |
Ratello: Challenge NJC? 4 Likes
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| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by GavelSlam: 4:25am On Apr 04, 2019 |
Volksfuhrer: They can do better than 750k but I wouldn't call it a joke . |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by peacettw: 4:30am On Apr 04, 2019 |
. |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by peacettw: 4:34am On Apr 04, 2019 |
It's a pity. Such a shame. Did anyone notice that a lot of issues were swept under the carpet? In conclusion, the NJC understands that he is guilty but still wants him to retain all benefits? I am terribly disappointed. 7 Likes 3 Shares |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by peacettw: 4:35am On Apr 04, 2019 |
GavelSlam: I find it hard to belive that that is his salary. Maybe his basic salary but I am sure there is more 2 Likes |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by bakila: 4:40am On Apr 04, 2019 |
peacettw:..or NJC retain a retirement verdict for a not guilty verdict to help the president achieve his aim of forcing a retire. Incidentally the NJC was headed by someone from Katsina. 2 Likes |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by GavelSlam: 4:45am On Apr 04, 2019 |
peacettw: Just looking out for one of theirs. Naija style. |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by peacettw: 4:47am On Apr 04, 2019 |
bakila: Then if that's the case, it should been clearly spelt out that he did no wrong instead they cleverly said that onnoghen couldn't say justifiably how he got the money in question. I thought he had said the proceeds were from his farm and forex business. I guess that claim didn't hold water and was dropped. In a nut shell, you are right. At the end of the day, they don't want him prosecuted but want him to retire peacefully instead Such a shame |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by cr7lomo: 4:47am On Apr 04, 2019 |
Selective persecution.... congratulations Nigerians, we not hv a puppet as CJN... Atiku...leak ur wounds, u only hv urself to blame, only .if u were patient, u wud hv been sworn in on the 29th after Jonathan's regime... instead, u sponsored a monster to rule ... now it's certain that u will never rule... a classic case of selling ur birthright for a pot of beans.... Again, u allowed tinubus tears to deceive u in allowing him a second tenure in office bk in 03, while u replaced the whole sw with PDP, now that decision has come bk to destroy ur destiny... reminds me of the story of Saul in the Bible |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by peacettw: 4:49am On Apr 04, 2019 |
GavelSlam: It is a shame. Truly justice in Nigeria doesn't apply to the "big men" but to us all, the "mere citizens" 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by asfrank(m): 4:54am On Apr 04, 2019 |
kahal29:The President does not need the Approval of the Senate to remove Him if the recommendation is from the NJC. He only needs it when he is doing so without any Approval from the NJC. read section 292(1)(b) 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by bakila: 4:55am On Apr 04, 2019 |
peacettw:They cannot sustain a conviction. The govt paid him those money thinking he will side with them. He did not and this happened. They saw that CCT cannot find him liable and they brought an experienced man from Katsina who likes Buhari a lot,to complete the job. Abdullahi advising Buhari in 2015 https://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/04/beware-of-those-defecting-to-apc-now-justice-abdullahi-warns-buhari/ |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by gabolak(m): 4:57am On Apr 04, 2019 |
This is a clear case of finding a soft landing for the suspended cjn. If the evidence before the njc is good enough to warrant compulsory retirement, then it should be good enough to ask for his prosecution. Let him go and explain the source of the slush fund before a court of competent jurisdiction. The panel is just trying to shield him from further disgrace on one side and the judiciary too on the other side from further embarrassment that comes with the whole saga. 7 Likes 3 Shares |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by Nobody: 4:59am On Apr 04, 2019 |
The Nation.. Tinubu's newspaper, would rather wait for a genuine source. 1 Like |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by peacettw: 4:59am On Apr 04, 2019 |
bakila: I don't understand. The govt paid who exactly some money? 2 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by chemgee: 5:00am On Apr 04, 2019 |
is this a victory or rape of democracy? 2 Likes |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by bakila: 5:11am On Apr 04, 2019 |
peacettw:Most of the money adding up to the over $1m in his account were estacodes. Some of the EFCC allegations are outright lies. It is 2 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by Hotfreezer: 5:16am On Apr 04, 2019 |
bakila: His estacode is 10k USD per night. If he has 1M USD, that means he has slept abroad for 100 nights. This means he has travelled for 3 months and 10 days. 4 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by Hotfreezer: 5:17am On Apr 04, 2019 |
Pachukwudi44 SalamRushdieie Johnnyessence How markate? 5 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by Ratello: 5:17am On Apr 04, 2019 |
bakila:. That's why I said this case will further make Onnoghen to expose lots of dark secrets that will eventually consume the executive and their sponsored judges in the judiciary. Like you rightly observed it is a case of we want you out at all cost. |
| Re: NJC Advises Buhari To Retire Onnoghen Over $1.7m Cash by Hotfreezer: 5:19am On Apr 04, 2019 |
chemgee: Depends on the side you support. 1 Like |
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