Embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, who tendered his resignation on Thursday, March 4, 2019, has opened up as to why he resigned. He made the disclosure to his lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo

Awomolo, who confirmed to newsmen that his client has resigned on Friday, April 5, 2019, said Onnoghen acted in the interest of the judiciary.

“I have just spoken with him. He confirmed to me that he resigned yesterday. He said he resigned in the interest of the Judiciary”.

Onnoghen has been facing prosecution by the Federal Government at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on charges of non-declaration of assets.

He was suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari on the orders of the CCT and Justice Tanko Muhammad appointed to replace him in acting capacity.

The embattled CJN refused to resign as advised by the Federal Government before his trial commenced at the CCT, claiming he needed to clear his name of the allegations levelled against him.

Reports had it that he admitted to forgetting to declare some of his assets in 2014 and 2016.

Curiously, the nation’s Number 5 man went ahead with his trial with appeals filed at different courts including the Court of Appeal to stall the CCT trial which were all thrown out for lack of merit. The Appeal Court has, however, reserved ruling on his appeal till date.

In a dramatic twist, Onnoghen threw in the towel on Thursday by tendering his resignation to the President. It was not yet clear if President Buhari will accept his resignation.