To forestall any loopholes in the judiciary ahead of the 2023 presidential election especially if it lands in the courts, loyalists of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu have began subterranean moves to remove the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Tanko Muhammad.
Pointblanknews.com authoritatively gathered that the strategists are relying on the playbook that saw to the removal of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, in a bid to re-enact similar script.
Incontrovertible sources revealed that the recent leaked letter by 14 Justices of the Supreme court to the CJN is a step in that direction.
The source further stated that this move was also geared towards paving way for Justice Olukayode Ariwoola who is the next in line in the event of Justice Muhammad’s exit as the CJN.
“Series of events will lead to his (CJN’s) removal according to their plan. Like in te case of Justice Walter Onnoghen, an issue which doesn’t seem to have serious consequences, will eventually snowball into his removal.
“This Will pave way for the CJN’s replacement with the next in line, Justice Ariwoola who they (Tinubu’s strategists) feel comfortable with should the 2023 presidential election go another way which is not favourable to them.
“That way, they don’t begin to scramble for who will judge the case in their favour. So the move to oust the current CJN should start now” the source explained.
Pointblanknews.com recalls that in a leaked petition, 14 justices of the apex court accused the CJN of abandoning his responsibilities and diverting funds meant for the running of the Supreme Court.
Among the issues raised by the justices are accommodation, vehicles, electricity tariff, supply of diesel, internet services to justices’ residences, training for justices and epileptic electricity supply to the court.
They accused the CJN of receiving their demands without acting “after several persistent requests” to hold a meeting which was finally held on March 31, where a welfare committee was set up.