Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Lawyers in Rivers State joined their counterparts across the country to boycott court activities on Tuesday over the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice WALTER ONNOGHEN.
The lawyers who marched to the Court of Appeal at Moscow Road, Federal High Court Complex and National Industrial Court with different placards described the actions of President Muhammadu Buhari as illegal and unconstitutional.
The Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, SYLVESTER ADAKA while condemning the suspension said President Muhammadu Buhari should follow due process in the suspension or removal of the CJN.
He explained that two-thirds majority of the National Assembly must approve the decision before going ahead with the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen.
Also speaking, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, FAYE DIKIO said the suspension of the CJN is an abuse of executive powers by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said that the decision of the President has put the judiciary into a state of confusion.
Another senior legal practitioner in Rivers State, Chris Itamunola also said that President Muhammadu Buhari erred by not following due process in the suspension of CJN.
He said that the lawyers in Nigeria will not withstand such illegality.
Chris Itamunola further stated that the rule of law must stand.
Our correspondent reports that the lawyers will continue the peaceful protest today.
