Uproar as Police teargas protesters demanding CJN’s resignation in Abuja
Protesters have thrung the heart of the Federal Capital Territory to demand the resignation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Tajudeen Ariwoola over his alleged partisanship comment recently made in Rivers state.
The protest caused unrest in the FCT as police teargassed and dispersed hundreds of protesters on Tuesday.
The protesters brandished several placards and banners while marching towards the Federal Ministry of Justice complex to push for an impartial judiciary ahead of the 2023 general elections.
They ran in different directions after a contingent of heavily armed police officers fired several canisters of tear gas at them.
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The inscriptions on the placards were, “You are partisan, Ariwoola resign now”, Judicial politicians will cause us harm, Ariwoola is a politician”, among others.
The protesters under the aegis of the Coalition of Civil Societies of Nigeria (CCSN) said the alleged posture by the CJN portends a great danger to the smooth dispensation of justice in case of an electoral dispute.
During a banquet held in his honour by Governor Nysome Wike in Port Harcourt, the CJN, who hails from Oyo, reportedly said his host (Governor Wike) was threatening to withdraw Makinde’s wife, who is from Rivers.
The CJN was also reported to have expressed delight that his Governor (Seyi Makinde) is in Wike’s camp of G5.
But speaking with journalists Tuesday before Police swooped on the protesters, the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Olayinka Dada, called on the CJN to resign his appointment in the interest of democracy in the country.
He said, “We are out today to save our hard-fought democracy. Despite all imperfections and challenges, the journey to this point undoubtedly cost great countrymen and women their lives.
“Seeing the hard-fought democracy under threat as we are witnessing now is nonetheless a misnomer. Nigerians will resist this affront with all legitimacy of their convictions!
“A few days ago, Nigerians woke up to the reckless partisan interference of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tajudeen Olukayode Ariwoola, in a political dispute capable of making Nigerians distrust the electoral processes leading to the 2023 general elections.
“The Chief Justice of Nigeria, in an unholy visitation to Rivers state, alleged to be a bought commissioning exercise, made reckless statements in favour of his newfound political friend Governor Nyesom Wike.
“The Coalition of Civil Societies of Nigeria has since analysed his statements at the commissioning and concluded that democracy is in danger.
