UPDATE: Senate Withdraws Court Case Challenging Onnoghen’s Suspension

The Nigerian Senate has changed its decision on questioning President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision of suspending Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

On January 28, Buhari announced the suspension of Onnoghen – and immediately appointed Tanko Muhammad in acting capacity – after he was accused of false declaration of asset.

While the upper lawmaking chamber raised brow against the action of the president without their consent, it filed a case before the Supreme Court, which is due for hearing tomorrow(Tuesday).

A statement on Monday by Yusuph Olaniyonu, spokesman of Senate President Bukola Saraki, stated that the Senate discontinued the case because of their belief “in the ability of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to resolve the issues”.

The statement reads in part: “The Senate has therefore decided to discontinue the case it filed in the supreme court. It should be noted that the case has been slated for hearing tomorrow.

“This decision also affirm the confidence of the Senate in the ability of the NJC to successfully and creditably resolve the issues.”