Tensions rise as police teargas protesters demanding removal of CJN

Yesterday, police fired tear gas canisters at protesters demanding the immediate dismissal of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, for alleged partisanship and making statements that could undermine the judiciary’s integrity.

Ariwoola said last Thursday in Port Harcourt that he was pleased with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s inclusion in the G-5 governors led by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

Protesters who had gathered at the Unity Fountain later marched towards the Federal Ministry of Justice complex, where they were met by heavily armed policemen who fired several canisters at them.

Protesters held placards that read, among other things, “You are partisan, Ariwoola resign now,” “Judicial politicians will cause us harm, Ariwoola is a politician,” “We demand independent judiciary, peaceful 2023 general elections,” and “No more politicians in judicial bodies.”

Olayinka Dada, the coalition’s spokesperson, told journalists yesterday in Abuja that the coalition had since reviewed his statements and concluded that the country’s democracy was indeed in jeopardy.

He insisted that the position of the CJN was an invitation to anarchy.

“As responsible citizens of this country and the voice of the voiceless, we demand the immediate removal of the CJN, especially now that his amorous political intentions and bias are in the public domain,” Dada stated.

“The CJN’s partisanship with full emotional support is clear enough to know that the 2023 election is already in his courts.” He has jeopardized his position and reputation.”

Dada stated that if the CJN refuses to resign, the coalition will use all legitimate means, including a citizens’ revolt, to force him to leave the impartial and independent office of Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“We call on all Nigerians to see this anomaly as a danger serious enough to derail citizens’ interest in electing a President of their choice in February 2023,” he added.

The coalition emphasized that the journey to the country’s democracy, despite its flaws and challenges, had undoubtedly cost great countrymen and women their lives.

It said that seeing the hard-fought democracy under threat as it is now was a misnomer, and that Nigerians would fight back with all the legitimacy of their convictions.

“In an unholy visitation to Rivers state, alleged to be a bought commissioning exercise, the Chief Justice of Nigeria made reckless statements in favor of his new found political friend Governor Nyesom Wike,” Dada added.

“How do we explain the fact that the man charged with dispensing justice is now siding with a particular group in a political dispute?”

“Given that 18 political parties are running in the 2023 general election, we wonder what interest the CJN had in one of the political parties (PDP) that led him to obstruct the impartiality of the Judicial arm of government he currently leads.”