#NigeriaDecides: Suspended chief judge charged one day before polls

Published Feb 15, 2019

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Abuja - A tribunal on Friday charged

Nigeria's suspended chief judge for breaching asset declaration

rules but adjourned his trial until after Saturday's

presidential elections.

The government has come under criticism and accusations of

meddling in the judiciary after President Muhammadu Buhari last

month suspended Walter Onnoghen, raising fears of interference

in the elections.

The tribunal adjourned Onnoghen's trial to March 11.

Nigeria's chief judge has a key say in resolving electoral

disputes, and Onnoghen's suspension has led opponents of Buhari

to accuse him of interfering in the electoral process and of

showing regional and religious favouritism. The European Union

and the United States have also voiced concerns.

Saturday's vote is expected to be tight between Buhari and

Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president.

Onnoghen appeared before the code of conduct tribunal (CCT)

for the first time on Friday and pleaded not guilty to a

six-count charge including non-disclosure of his assets after he

became the chief judge. 

Reuters

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