A coalition of Niger Delta agitators, under the aegis of Niger Delta Watchdogs and Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators, have vowed to shut down Nigeria if the Federal Government fails to withdraw its charges against the Chief Justice of the Federation, CJN, Walter Onnoghen.
In a statement signed by John Dakku, the agitators warned those working under the Buhari government to “watch their back” if the administration goes ahead with what they termed “harassment” of the CJN.
They also warned all non indigenes who owned oil wells in the coastal area to prepare to vacate their zone.
Stressing that Buhari has never been disposed to the appointment of the CJN, the agitators said that was why he delayed his appointment as the country’s chief law office after many months in acting capacity.
The statement stated that Onnoghen was suffering because he hails from the south south zone.
The statement reads in part: “The General Assembly of the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators is shocked to learn about the arraignment of the Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Justice Walter Onnoghen over allegations of his false declaration of assets based on a petition written by one Mr. Dennis Aghanya of the Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative.
“The CJN is suffering just because he is from the minority area of the South South the Niger Delta region. This is definitely a petition plotted by the Presidency to forcefully remove the incumbent CJN from office and replace him with a Northerner.
“In the first instance, President Muhammadu Buhari was not disposed to Justice Onnoghens appointment to this position which is why he refused to confirm the appointment after so many months of serving in Acting capacity.
“It was during the period of his sickness while in Britain that the Acting President Prof. Osinbajo confirmed the appointment. We wish to also recall that in August last year, Mr. Matthew Seiyefa of Bayelsa State who was the most senior and most qualified officer at the time was appointed to the position of Acting Director-General of the Department of State Security by Prof. Osinbajo, only to be replaced with a retired and junior officer to Mr. Seiyefa, Mr. Yusuf Magji Bichi by President Buhari as soon as he resumed duties. We hereby vehemently resist any attempt to remove CJN Walter Onnoghen from office.
“These go to confirm that there is a high level of hatred, injustice, discrimination and marginalization of the Niger Delta region by the APC-led government over the past three years”.