IBADAN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Nigerians have reacted after the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) called on President Muhammadu Buhari and all relevant agencies to investigate the rumoured visit of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola to the United Kingdom, for medical reasons and allegations that it was in disguise to meet with president-elect Bola Tinubu.
The CNPP, in a statement issued by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, at the weekend, said this has become necessary to preserve the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary.
There were unconfirmed reports that Ariwoola and Tinubu secretly met in London, and pictures surfaced online of the CJN in a wheelchair during his alleged trip.
However, the CNPP noted that despite the denials of the plans to hold such meetings by the two men, “the integrity of both the CJN personality in Nigeria and that of the President-Elect have been called to question, particularly in view of the widespread criticisms of the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s rulings on political issues since this year’s general elections.
CNPP’s statement read in part: “The Supreme Court under the current leadership has given several verdicts on political litigations in recent times which put the integrity of the apex court to question before this very damaging report by an online news portal on the alleged planned meeting between the CJN and the President-elect in London.
“The CNPP, therefore, calls on President Muhammadu Buhari, Security Agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to institute an open investigation into the reported planned meeting between CJN Ariwoola and President-elect Tinubu to lay to rest the controversy in the interest of justice and national security.”
Nigerians in Twitter have backed the call out, with some adding that the CJN has tarnished the image of his office.
A tweep @tope_femi said: “CJN has tarnished the image of his office.”
“Even though no country is immune to corruption,the abuse of public office for private gain erodes people’s trust in government and institutions. The heads of agencies, ministries, and public offices must promote ethical behavior by setting a clear tone at the top,” @UsoroThomas said.
@Ndubuisi941 on his part said: “Trusting on Buhari to do justice is a waste of time.” While @Temi_kourage demanded to know why they are calling on the President.
“Why are they calling on buhari lol Buhari wey join cult of people for Nigeria wey don swear say Igbo can never be president cos they are not to be trusted in their opinion.
“They will do everything to make this country ungovernable if they can’t compromise this CJN,” he tweeted
@Pita_Boutrous wrote: “Does it look like President Bubu still cares about this country….?”