Walter Onnoghen Resigns As CJN With Immediate Effect?

Onnoghen Submitts Resignation Letter

The suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen has resigned his position as CJN with immediate effect.

Onnoghen reportedly submitted his letter of resignation to President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday evening, few hours after the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended that he be compulsorily retired.

According to associates of Onnoghen as reported by TheCable, he chose the option of resignation as a measure of damage control.

Naija News understands that his resignation takes immediate by virtue of section 306 of the 1999 constitution.

Section 306 says “(1) Save as otherwise provided in this section, any person who is appointed, elected or otherwise selected to any office established by this Constitution may resign from that office by writing under his hand addressed to the authority or person by whom he was appointed, elected or selected. (2) The resignation of any person from any office established by this Constitution shall take effect when the writing signifying the resignation is received by the authority or person to whom it is addressed or by any person authorised by that authority or person to receive it.”

It is understood that the resignation option was the “best possible option” for Onnoghen under the current circumstance.

As part of the package for a retired chief justice, a house will be built for him in Abuja with a nine-digit sum for furnishing — in addition to a severance gratuity that is 300% of his annual basic salary of ₦3,363,972.50, as well as pension for life.

A retired chief justice is also entitled to a number of domestic staff and other allowances for personal upkeep.

However, if dismissed, such a person will not be entitled to any benefits.

Currently, Onnoghen is 68 years old and is normally, not due for retirement until 2020.

This online platform reports Onnoghen is currently standing trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal on charges of false declaration of assets.