Walter Onnoghen has resigned as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) with immediate effect.
The Chief Justice turned in his resignation letter to President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday evening, a day after the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended his compulsory retirement for misconduct.
The moves now saves the President from having to get two-thirds majority of the senate to confirm Onnoghen’s retirement as stipulated in Section 292 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, which says that a “judicial officer shall not be removed from his office or appointment before his age of retirement except in the following circumstances – (a) in the case of – (i) Chief Justice of Nigeria… by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate”.
According to the recommendation of NJC, Onnoghen will receive his full retirement benefits. The benefits include a house in the federal capital, a nine-digit sum for furnishing, severance gratuity – which is 300% of his annual basic salary,and pension for life.
Onnoghen was due to retire in 2020.
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