The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in an appeal filed by the Cross Rivers State Government challenging the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
In the appeal, the Cross River Government had pleaded that as a court of first instance, the apex court should decide whether the president acted in line with the Constitution by the suspension.
The Attorney General of Cross Rivers State who filed the suit on behalf of the state urged the court to determine if the president did not give himself a fiat to act outside the Constitution and if by his action he has abrogated to himself the power to alter the law as he dims fit.
In a preliminary objection argued by the solicitor general, Mr Dayo Akpata, on behalf of the Federal Government argued that the issues were already subjudice and that an Order of Court was an order of court irrespective of which court gave the order.
After listening to all arguments, the lead judge of the seven-man panel, Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, said that the case was a constitutional matter which required time for a careful examination of the issues raised.
He, therefore, adjourned the case to May 17, 2019.
