Elder statesman Edwin Clark has condemned the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, as “unjust and barbaric.” In a recent statement, Clark expressed his disapproval of the actions taken against Onnoghen, calling them disgraceful and a direct assault on judicial independence.

Clark’s comments came after a historic decision by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which on November 4, 2024, acquitted Onnoghen of charges related to false asset declaration. The Court dismissed the allegations and ordered the return of four forfeited bank accounts. This ruling reversed the conviction handed down by the Code of Conduct Tribunal following Onnoghen’s suspension by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2019.

In an open letter, Clark also commended the current CJN, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for her efforts to address the injustices faced by Onnoghen. He praised Kekere-Ekun for taking meaningful steps to restore dignity to the judiciary and for her role in the broader push for reform within the Nigerian legal system.

ALSO READ: Senate Approves Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as Chief Justice of Nigeria

Clark directed his criticism toward former President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing him of orchestrating Onnoghen’s removal to undermine the judiciary’s independence. He called Buhari’s actions a “shameful” and “unpatriotic” move, particularly given Onnoghen’s principled stance on various issues, including those related to Buhari’s second-term election bid.

Clark went on to urge the current government under President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that no individual, regardless of position, is above the law. He stressed the importance of holding accountable those responsible for Onnoghen’s unjust removal, calling for a full examination of the events surrounding his suspension.