DON'T SUCUMB TO PRESSURE ON SALAMI - GROUP TELLS CJN

The Society for Rule of Law in Nigeria (SRLN) a non-governmental organization has counselled the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher of the inherent danger in succumbing to the pressure being mounted by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) over the suspension of Justice Isa Ayo Salami as the President Court of Appeal (PCA).

The group also alleged that ACN leaders have started boasting that Justice Salami would return to office next week, claiming that “the deal for his return was sealed in Saudi Arabia with the acting CJN during the just concluded Umrah.

The SRLN said in a statement issued today by its Coordinator, Comrade Chima Ubeku that since hearing on the case filed by Justice Salami has started and the National Judicial Council (NJC), Justice Musdapher and others are parties to the suit, it would amount to setting a dangerous precedence for the acting CJN to assume the duty of the court.

“We are aware of the pressure being mounted by leaders of the ACN on the acting CJN and President Goodluck Jonathan on the Salami issue and our question has always been; 'what is the interest of the ACN in the matter?'

“Already, these ACN people have started saying that the acting CJN had agreed to carry out their plan of lifting the suspension on Justice Salami and we make bold to say that this, if it is done, in spite of the pendency of the suit filed by Justice Salami, will be setting a dangerous precedence.

“The implication of the situation on ground as per the Salami's issue now is that even NJC as a body can no longer deliberate on the propriety or otherwise of the suspension of Justice Salami until the suit in court is dispensed with.

“The acting CJN is therefore urged not to allow himself to be used by desperate politicians in the ACN, who do not mind pulling the country down just to achieve their selfish aim,” the group said.