What Onnoghen is facing is ‘political gangsterism’ from FG - Professor Jerry Gana

- Professor Jerry Gana, presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), says Walter Onnoghen is a victim of 'political gangsterism'

- Gana, a former information minister, wants Nigerians to speak up in the face of the current situation in the country

- The politician asks the federal government to face the various challenges facing the country rather than battle perceived political enemies

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Jerry Gana, has described the trial of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), by the federal government as ‘political gangsterism’.

Onnoghen was arraigned on Monday, January 14, over alleged failure to declare parts of his assets.

Daily Sun reports that Gana reacted while addressing journalists in Abuja.

The former information minister warned the federal government to focus on external threats, internal security and economic challenges troubling the country rather than go after perceived political enemies.

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He pleaded with Nigerians to speak up while mentioning the recent alarm raised by the Senate president, Bukola Saraki, over an alleged threat to his life.

Explaining that he had no problem with the trial, he, however, said the rule of law is supposed to be followed.

“The insecurity and economic situations have worsened while the fight against corruption of which the federal government toasts her success is being prosecuted in a manner that tends towards the disruption of the constitutional order.

“Beyond politics, all lovers of democracy in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and well-meaning people must close ranks at this time to confront this emerging trend towards the institutionalisation of cultic principles and gangsterism in the political and governance processes, as they manifest in the following circumstances, and I quote just a few:

“The selective trial of the Senate President and head of the second arm of government;

“Now is the record-breaking commencement of trial against the person of the chief justice of the federation and head of the judicial arm of government.

“Indeed, it is not only the judiciary that is under attack.

“All of the above are happening at this critical time, weeks to the all-important 2019 general elections tend to mark a clear indication of an agenda by the federal government to muzzle both the bench and the bar, under circumstances that suggest anything but due process.

“The rule of law and social justice remain the bastion of democracy anywhere in the world. When the rule of law and social justice are violated, democracy lacks credibility and legitimacy.

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“While we agree that corruption must be ruthlessly fought, government must never give the impression as if the fight against corruption is protective to those who belong to the ‘circle of leadership’ or ‘club of the protected,” he said.

He added that such tendencies “would turn the war on corruption into a cult-like fiefdom where only the initiates are set free. This will mark a dangerous trend towards political gangsterism.”

Legit.ng earlier reported that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has insisted that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onoghen, must face his corruption trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

This was contained in a statement by the national publicity secretary of the APC, Lanre Issa-Onilu, on Monday, January 14.

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Onnoghen's Trial is Politically Motivated - APRJ | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng