…As FG warns EU, others: We’ll not allow meddling into our affairs***
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) on Saturday expressed concern over the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, and called on all parties to adhere to what the Nigerian Constitution and the legal processes prescribed.
The EU EOM made this known in an official statement, stressing that it is meticulously keeping its eyes watchful, to monitor the neutrality of security agencies, and the extent to which the judiciary can and does fulfill its election related mandate.
“The EU EOM calls on all parties to follow the legal processes provided in the constitution and to respond calmly to any concerns they may have.
“The EU EOM will continue observing all aspects of the election, including the independence of the election administration, the neutrality of security agencies, and the extent to which the judiciary can and does fulfill its election related responsibilities,” it stated, highlighting its discomfort with the timing of Onnoghen’s suspension.
“The EU EOM is very concerned about the process and timing of the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honorable Justice Walter Onnoghen.
“With 20 days until the presidential and National Assembly elections, political parties, candidates and voters must be able to have confidence in the impartiality and independence of the judicial system,” the mission said.
But in a swift reaction, the Federal Government has warned against every foreign interference into the nation’s affairs, particularly those capable of creating apprehension, distrust among citizens or undermining the transparency and acceptability of outcomes of the nation’s electoral process.
This is contained in a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Saturday, stressing the readiness of the nation’s security forces to also confront any plan or attempt to interfere with or disrupt the process whether by elements within or from outside the country.
The encompassing statement was apparently a reaction to comments made by some foreign countries including the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (U.S.A.) and the European Union, over the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen by President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday.
President Buhari had also swore-in the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko, to replace Onnoghen, pending final determination of the cases against him.
However, the statement said that the federal government condemned “any interference or perception management that promotes apprehension,citizens distrust or undermines the transparency and acceptability of the outcomes of our electoral process.
“Nigeria reserves the right to be insulated from suggestions and or interference with respect to wholly internal affairs and commends international laws,customs and norms that mandate and require nations and the comity to respect this prerogative to all.
“Nigeria is confident of its electoral processes and her preparation for the imminent elections and the federal government has supported the independent electoral umpire in both its independence and resources needed to accomplish our desire and insistence on free and fair elections’’.
It however said the government welcomes the prevailing keen interest and partnerships for successful elections and a peaceful Nigeria.
It added that the government had ensured the independence of all organs, institutions and arms of government to “perform their functions in a manner that is transparent, and not lacking in integrity whether institutionally or by persons within such institutions or organs.’’
The statement pledged that the government would continue to do this.
“Although the question of foreign interference, whether state sponsored, promoted or otherwise has dominated recent elections and outcomes globally, the federal government assures citizens and the global community that it will fiercely and assiduously promote the will and the right of Nigerians to choose and elect their leaders without pressure or assistance from persons or entities that are not constitutionally empowered to participate in the process,” it said.
The government enjoined the citizens to confidently exercise their franchise in an orderly manner with the assurance of the federal government to their security during and after the electoral process.
