Chidi Samuel|
The court of appeal on Thursday ordered a stay proceedings in the case against Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT)
The Justice Abdul Aboki lead panel of the Abuja division of the court ordered the CCT to stay proceedings pending the hearing and determination of the CJN’s application.
Counsel to the CJN,Wole Olanipekun, had told the court that the CCT had vowed not to comply with orders from other courts which it described as court of coordinate jurisdiction except that of the court of appeal.
He argued that if the application is not granted it would affect the judiciary in totality and also pose a threat to the country and the constitution.
Oye Koleosho, counsel to the federal government, while opposing Olanipekun, argued that the decision on whether to stay proceedings at the tribunal is at the discretion of the CCT.
He drew the court’s attention to the fact that the lower tribunal adjourned the hearing of the application challenging its jurisdiction.
The three-man panel led by Aboki fixed January 30 to decide whether the tribunal has jurisdiction to hear the case against the CJN.
Justice Onnoghen is being preosecuted at the CCT by the federal government of false assets declaration, an allegation he denied.