The suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Walter Onnoghen, has broken silence over his alleged resignation.
Onnoghen, who spoke through his Lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, provided more information on the decision to step down from Office.
Awomolo, who is the Lead Counsel to Onnoghen, in his false assets declaration trial, spoke on Saturday morning.
Awomolo stated that Onnoghen’s decision is a retirement and not a resignation from Office as CJN.
He revealed that Onnoghen sent his notice of retirement to President Muhammadu Buhari, in line with constitutional provisions.
“What he has done is to send his notice of retirement to the President. And he has done so, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
“His position from day one has been that it is only the NJC that can discipline him. Now that the NJC has spoken, out of respect for the NJC and the Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and Nigerian Judiciary, he sent his letter of retirement, not resignation. He never resigned.
“All he has done is to send a letter to the President, saying thank you. I have served this country for about 32 years. I want to retire. That is all he has done”, Awomolo said.
Recall, that Onnoghen’s retirement is coming 51 days after his trial began at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, on January 14, and 58 days after the petition which birthed the said trial was submitted.
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