BREAKING: CJN ONNOGHEN DODGES DISMISSAL, RESIGNS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
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Joseph Omoniyi
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen has resigned, with immediate effect.
According to The Cable, Onnoghen turned in his resignation letter to President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday evening, a day after the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended his compulsory retirement for misconduct.
By virtue of Section 306 of the 1999 constitution, his resignation takes immediate effect.
His decision which is said to be “the best possible option” for him under the present circumstances, will also save Buhari from having to get two-thirds majority of the senate to confirm Onnoghen’s retirement as stipulated in Section 292 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that 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 chose the option of resignation as a measure of damage control, his associates were quoted as saying.
His retirement benefits in cash and kind will cost tax payers about N2.5 billion.
As part of the package for a retired chief justice, a house will be built for him in Abuja with a nine-digit sum for furnishing — in addition to a severance gratuity that is 300% of his annual basic salary of N3,363,972.50, as well as pension for life. He is also entitled to a number of domestic staff and sundry allowances for personal upkeep.
However, if he is dismissed, he will not be entitled to any benefits.
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