S’Court denies split among justices over Onnoghen

Andrew Orolua, Abuja

It is not true that the exit of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen “split the Supreme Court,” the apex Court said in a reaction to a publication on Sunday.

The Director of Press and Information, Supreme Court, Dr. Akande Festus, stated in statement on Monday that their attention was drawn to a publication in a national daily (not The Daily Times) titled” “Onnoghen’s Exit Splits Supreme Court,” and that it is necessary to state categorically clear that the publication “is false and misleading in its entirety”.

“There is no iota of truth in the story, as every word in it only exists in the realm of rumour and mischief,” he added.

According to him, “the Supreme Court of Nigeria is one big, indivisible judicial family that is not in any way governed by religious, tribal or parochial influence or sentiments.

“The Judicial oath taken by all the justices of the Court has already initiated a potent sacred bond to regulate and conscientise the conducts of their lordships in the discharge of their judicial functions.

“For the umpteenth time, let it be known to all and sundry that no judicial officer is appointed on account of religious or tribal affiliation, as such, the discharge of their judicial obligations cannot be dictated by such extraneous considerations. As it h

as always been, the Supreme Court justices and the entire management are united, cohesive and indivisible in the quest to move the Court to an enviable height”.

He enjoined members of the public to always cross check their facts from the Court, using the Freedom of Information window, to avoid rushing to the media to exhibit their ignorance.