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Tag: CJN

  • Imo verdict: Oshiomhole replies PDP for ‘reckless’ attack on Supreme Court, demanding CJN’s resignation

    Imo verdict: Oshiomhole replies PDP for ‘reckless’ attack on Supreme Court, demanding CJN’s resignation

    The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has described the attack of the Supreme Court by the Peoples Democratic Party as reckless and dangerous.

    In a stunning verdict, the apex court on Tuesday nullified the election of Governor Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP and declared Senator Hope Uzodinma of the APC as Governor of Imo State.

    The PDP on Thursday disparaged the Justice Tanko-led Supreme Court panel that heard the governorship appeal on Imo and asked it to recuse itself from the pending cases on Bauchi, Sokoto, Benue and Adamawa states.

    Addressing journalists on Friday at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, Oshiomhole accused the PDP of attempting to blackmail the Justices of the Supreme Court.

    He said the PDP which was a beneficiary of electoral fraud tried to deepen the culture of do-or-die politics, stressing that the former ruling party lacked the credentials to disparage the judiciary because of their antecedents.

    Oshiomhole said democracy had worked and rule of law had prevailed when the PDP won in courts, while there should be no judiciary again if the APC won her cases in courts.

    He said the APC still has reservations over the rulings on Rivers and Zamfara that denied the party opportunities to produce governors and the loss of senatorial seats in Ekiti and Sokoto States.

    Oshiohmole, who said the PDP laid the foundation for votes rigging in the polity, gave an assurance that the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration would do all within its powers to ensure electoral reform before the end of his tenure.

    “For PDP and Secondus to call for the resignation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) because they have lost a state that was never theirs is the height of recklessness,” Oshiomhole added.

  • No room for appointment of Supreme Court Justices from bar – CJN

    Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Mohammad, has foreclosed the possibility of appointing Justices for the Supreme Court from among practising lawyers.

    Although Justice Mohammed said there is a lot of pressure and calls for a review of the current appointment process that gives priority to career judges and Justices, the CJN insisted that he was not ready to yield ground on the matter.

    He argued that those campaigning for the appointment of judges to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court from the Bar were not considering the drawbacks inherent in such move.

    Mohammad spoke in Abuja at this year’s edition of the annual conference of the Justices of the Court of Appeal.

    “I wouldn’t want to say much on the process of selecting Justices from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court. But one thing on which I am positively assuring you, although there is a lot of pressure, is that we will retain the old regime.

    “Those of us who passed through the Court of Appeal spent a number of years in the Court of Appeal, and we had a lot of experience and created a lot of relationship in the Court of Appeal. We will feel slighted if we are made to take anybody straight from outside.

    “I don’t know. There is a lot of calls, a lot of insistence that we should take a look at the process we currently use in appointment to the Supreme Court and that we should not concentrate on the Court of Appeal alone. I say no.

    “But, may be it is because I am biased; because I am a son of the Court of Appeal, and I know the number of years that I spent in the Court of Appeal. And I know the experiences I gathered in the Court of Appeal. I know the number of Justices that I met and made friends with in the Court of Appeal, and we still telephone each other till today,” Mohammad said.

    The CJN said he was not, by his position, denigrating practising lawyers, but that it would be an act of injustice against career judges and Justices who have committed years to the Bench and have no other options, like practising lawyers have.

    “This is somebody who has followed through the line. For example, myself. I started as a Magistrate Grade II. Going down the ladder, I wouldn’t want the authority to forget those of us who have been around.

    “You grew up from the magistracy, rising through the ranks, and then they say we are not taking candidates for the Supreme Court from the Court of Appeal; we are taking from among the practising lawyer.

    “We are not denigrating the practising lawyers. That is why I said let’s call a spade a spade.

    “A practising lawyer may have a lot of openings. Tell me: what are your openings? What is the way forward for you? Please, let’s put our heads together. Don’t entertain that kind of thing.

    “As far as I am concerned, the Supreme Court is the last stage. Anyone of us who grew up with the system and has continued to grow, why stagnate him? We know that it is not everyone of us will get to the Supreme Court. That is destiny.

    “If somebody is brought from outside, it will take time to train such a person to fit in. I am with the old regime that we should train those who are already on the line.

    “If you want to be a judge, you should join at the High Court; most of them do not want to join at the High Court. That is the best place for you to start.

    “I don’t think it will be the right thing to appoint somebody straight to the Court of Appeal, because you have to train and teach him/her.

    “Let me pose this question: supposing you retire now; or, God forbid, something happens and they retire you compulsorily, or you are even dismissed. Nobody is praying for that. But, assuming any of them happens, can you go into practice?” he queried.

    The gathering responded by shouting no.

    Mohammad’s position is a clear departure from the reported plan under his immediate predecessor for the appointment of some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), who were rumoured to have been interviewed and shot-listed.

    The Supreme Court currently has about 14 Justices, following the retirement of Justice Kumai Aka’ahs on December 12, 2019.

    Earlier in the year, Justice Walter Onnoghen (who was then the CJN) resigned after he was convicted by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for breaching the code of conduct for public officers.

    Shortly after Mohammad became the CJN, Justice Sidi Dauga Baga resigned to become the Emir of Lafia in Nasarawa State.

    At the end of its meeting on October 23, 2019, the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended the appointment of four Justices for the Supreme Court from among those serving at the Court of Appeal.

    They are: Justices Adamu Jauro (Northeast), Emmanuel Agim (Southsouth), C. Oseji (Southeast) and Helen Ogunwumiju (Southwest.

    Earlier at the conference on December 12, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, stressed that this year’s edition was her last, because she will retire before the next edition.

    Bulkachuwa spoke on the essence of an effective court system for sustenance of any democratic society, adding: “Court administration is a subject of vital importance, not only to those engaged in the task of administering justice, but also to the broader community.

    “It is difficult to imagine a society or community which is not dependent upon the rule of law for its development and prosperity.

    “Judicial values are crucial for the proper working of the judicial system in a democratic society and for adequate service delivery for the citizens who are seeking justice.”

  • Finally, CJN, Muhammad swears in Tsoho as substantive CJ of Federal High Court

    Justice John Tsoho has been sworn in as the substantive Chief Judge(CJ) of the federal high court of Nigeria.

    Tsoho who took over leadership of the federal high court in July from his predecessor Abdul Kafarati was sworn in Friday by the chief justice of Nigeria Tanko Mohammad.

    Tsoho’s who was earlier elevated as acting CJ of the Federal High Court in line with the rules that enable the most senior judge to occupy the office of the CJ when the post is vacant has now been officially sworn in as the substantive chief judge.

    Recall that a mild drama had earlier trailed the swearing-in of Tsoho as acting CJ in July – at the said time, Judges and staff of the court were earlier left stranded as the ceremony was delayed due to the absence of the CJN .

    Justice Tsoho, who hails from Benue State in Nigeria’s North-Central geo-political zone, was appointed a judge of the Federal High Court on November 12, 1998.

    Born June 24, 1959, at Mbaduku Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Justice Tsoho, now 60, has up to five years to retire.

    Justice Tsoho attended St. Anthony’s Primary School, Chenge- Mbaduku between 1967 and 1972 when he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate.

    He obtained his West African School Certificate from St.Michael’s Secondary School, Aiide, where he schooled between 1973 and 1977.

    For his Advanced Levels study, coordinated by the Interim Joint Matriculation Board, Mr Tsoho attended Murtala College of Arts, Science and Technology, Makurdi, between 1978 and 1979.

    In 1980, he enrolled at the University of Lagos where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws Degree (LL.B Hons) in 1984.

    He was called to the Nigerian bar in 1985 after attending the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.

    On graduation, the young Mr Tsoho was posted to Delta Palm Limited Port Harcourt, for his compulsory National Youth Service scheme.

    On completion of his youth service in 1986, he plunged into private legal practise before taking up a job in the Benue State judiciary.

    Between January 1986 and December 1987, Mr Tsoho served as an inspector of Area Courts.

    But in January 1988, he was appointed a magistrate in the Benue State judiciary. By the time he left that position in March 1996, he had risen through the ranks to become a chief magistrate.

    In between his role as magistrate, Mr Tsoho served as an arbitrator in a contractual dispute during the period of February 1994 and June 1994.

    On October 9, 1997, he was appointed acting Chief Registrar of the Benue State High Court, a position he held until he was appointed a judge of the Federal High Court on November 12, 1998.

    Justice Tsoho says he enjoys reading, jogging and listening to music

  • Nigerians, most litigious people on earth – CJN

    …seeks amendment to limit cases reaching S’Court, says we are over-worked

    …Call for enhance financial autonomy, increase pay judges
    …Urges all to respect rule of law
    …Malami urges judges to ensure justice in election cases
    …ustice Ngwuta returns to bench

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Muhammad has said that Justices of the Supreme Court are over-worked owing to the rising volume of cases being brought before the court.

    Muhammad, who blamed the development on Nigerians’ preference for litigation, suggested a constitutional amendment to stop interlocutory appeals for terminating at the Supreme Court.

    The CJN, who called for an enhanced remuneration for judges, blamed lawyers for contributing to the high volume of cases in court.

    “As rightly observed, Nigerians are the most litigious people on earth. In every little disagreement, we rush to court; and in every lost case, we rush to appeal even up to the Supreme Court, no matter how infinitesimal the issue might be.

    “That has obviously accounted for several appeals pending in Supreme Court. The attitude of some of our lawyers, too, is less salutary.

    “Some do not even mind throwing their integrity and reputations to the winds by taking briefs that they know don’t hold ground, just for pecuniary reasons.

    “So disturbing is the fact that even in the face of failure, they would still persuade their clients to push the case further on appeal.

    However, the attitude of some of our lawyers has to be properly checked by the Nigerian Bar ASSOClatlon. l have stated it severally that lawyers must desist from the practice of filing needless appeals at the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

    “Let it be known that the Supreme Court will henceforth be unsparing in punishing blatant abusers of court processes.

    “There should also be amendment of the Constitution to stop interlocutory appeals from coming to the Supreme Court. It should be ending at the Court of Appeal.

    “From my experience, an elevation to Supreme Court is an elevation to hard work, restlessness and sleeplessness,” Muhammad said.

    He spoke in Abuja on Monday at the event marking the Supreme Court’s new legal year and the inauguration of the 38 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

    The CJN, who faulted claim that the independence of the Judiciary has been compromised, said the arm of government was independent in its operations and decisions, but requires more funding to function effectively.

    He said : “The Nigerian Judiciary, to a large extent, is independent in conducting its affairs and taking decisions on matters before it without any extraneous influence.

    “At the Supreme Court, like I have always said, we are totally independent in the way we conduct our affairs, especially in our judgments.

    “We don’t pander to any body’s whims and caprices. lf there is any deity to be feared, it is the Almighty God. We will never be subservient to anybody, no matter his position in the society.

    “Be that as it may, when we assess the judiciary from the financial perspective, how free can we say we are? The annual budget of the Judiciary is still a far cry from what it ought to be.

    “The figure is either stagnated for a long period or it goes on a progressive decline. The only thing i can do at this juncture is to plead with all concerned to let us enjoy our independence holistically.

    “If you say that I am independent, but in a way, whether I like it or not, I have to go cap in hand, asking for funds to run my office, then I have completely lost my independence.”

    The CJN added that the problem of inadequate funding of the Judiciary hampers its operations and dampens staff morale.

    He noted that the current state of affair where the financial autonomy of the Judiciary was still not being respected, was violation of the constitutional provisions of separation of powers and independence of the three arms of government.

    The CJN added: “I am using this medium to appeal to governments at all levels to free the judiciary from the financial bondage it has been subjected to over the years.

    “Let it not just be said to be independent but should, in words and actions, be seen to be truly independent. There should not be any strings attached.

    “We would not like to negotiate our financial independence under any guise. Even as I speak now, some states Judiciaries are still having issues with their respective governments. A stitch in time will certainly save nine. Let the judiciary take its destiny in its hands.”

    Muhammad, who sought mutual respect between the Judiciary and the Legislature, urged the law making arm of government to always ensure prompt amendment of law where judicial pronouncements are made.

    “With due respect, l urge the legislative arm to closely be watching the decisions of the Supreme Court. If the court makes any decisions, without anybody telling the legislators to act, they should immediately follow suit by making laws that will encompass such decisions.

    “The Supreme Court has no legislative powers to make laws but only interprets the Constitution. It doesn’t amount to asking for too much if the judiciary requests the legislature to effect certain amendments to the . existing laws.

    “There is no reason for the legislature to delay any amendments sought by the Judiciary. I would also like to solicit for mutual respect and relationship between the legislature and the judiciary. ”

    The CJN, who recalled some happenings in the court the previous legal year, described the circumstances leading to the exit of his immediate predecessor, Justice Walter Onnoghen as an unfortunate event.

    “I was appointed in acting capacity in the course of the year after the unfortunate events that shook the Nigerian Judiciary to its very foundation.” he noted
    Muhammed, who promised to improve on what he inherited, called for the review of the nation’s criminal laws, which he said has to be done on a continuous basis to ensure that laws are relevant and meet today’s demands.
    The CJN promised not to shield corrupt judges and tasked all agencies of government to abide by the principle of rule of law.

    He said: “The Judiciary under my leadership will not lose its firm grip on the mantle of honesty, transparency and integrity and I expect every Judicial officer and of course, legal practitioners too, to tag along.

    “If any Judge is found wanting and you have evidence, please, write your petition to the National Judicial Council immediately for prompt action.

    “The task of ridding the judiciary of corruption is a collective one; and my commitment to it is total. I am assuring you that I will pursue it vigorously in order to bequeath an enduring legacy to my successor.

    “The rule of law which is the bastion of every democracy across the world will be strictly observed in all our dealings and we must impress it on the ‘ governments at all levels to actively toe that path.

    “The rights Of every Citizen against any form of Oppression and impunity must be jealously guided and protected with the legal tools at our disposal.

    “All binding court orders must be obeyed; and nobody, irrespective of his or her position, will be allowed to toy with court judgments.

    “We must collectively show the desired commitment to the full enthronement of the rule of law in the land. As we all know, flagrant disobedience of court orders or non-compliance with judicial orders is a direct invitation to anarchy in the society.”

    Also speaking, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami urged the court to always ensure justice in all cases, particularly election cases when brought before them.
    Represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Dayo Apata (who also got the SAN rank) Malami urged the Supreme Court to always uphold its resolve to always ensure justice and resist the temptation of yielding to the pressures of different political actors.

    The AGF said: “In the light of the concluded general elections and its aftermath election tribunals’ judgments, over which our courts of first instances and appellate courts, decided on different election issues presented before them, this address serves as a clarion call on the Court of Appeal and to this apex court of the land, to be courageous in delivering landmark decisions in favour of justice, equity and fairness.

    “Also, this court should not be seen to bow to the pressures of different political actors, being the last hope of every litigant irrespective of any irregularity that might have occurred in the course of dispensing justice by different election tribunals. it is important that this court as a final arbiter remains just and resolute in resolving all issues presented before it,” Malami said.

    The 38 new SANs are: wife of Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour of the Supreme Court, Mrs. Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour, Dayo Apata, rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Abdullahi Haruna, Manga Nuruddeen, John Asoluka, Adedokun Makinde, Daniel Enwelum, Emmanuel Oyebanji, Tuduru Ede, Abdul Ajana, Ama Etuwewe, Oladipo Olasope, Leslie Olutayo Nylander, Olusegun Fowowe and Andrew Hutton.

    Others are Olukayode Enitan, Paul Ogbole, Olaniyi Olopade, Samuel Agweh, Olusegun Jolaawo, Prof. Alphonsus Alubo, Ayo Asala, Abiodun Olatunji, Olumide Aju, Chimezie Ihekweazu, Prof. Mamman Lawan, Prof. Uchefula Chukwumaeze, Usman Sule, Safiya Badamasi, and Echezona Etiaba.

    There were also Godwin Omoaka, Emeka Ozoani, Alexander Ejesieme, Jephthah Njikonye, Aikhunegbe Malik, Alhassan Umar and Oyetola Muyiwa.

    Mrs. Rhodes-Vivour, while speaking on behalf of the new SANs, promised that they will all uphold the dignity of the new title.

    Meanwhile, in what seems a precursor to his eventual resumption of judicial functions, suspended Justice Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court, participated in activities marking the commencement of the court’s new legal year on Monday

    Fully dressed in the official robe, Justice Ngwuta sat among other Justices of the court, at the inauguration of the new SANs, which held in the Supreme Court’s ceremonial courtroom.

    Justice Ngwuta, now one of the most senior Justices of the Supreme Court has not sat in open court since November 4, 2016 following a directive by the NJC that judicial officers, who were being investigated on corruption related allegations, should cease to perform judicial functions until the conclusion of investigation.

    He was one of the two Justices of the Supreme Court, whose houses were raided, among other judges, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) between 7 and 8, October, 2016.

    While his other colleague, Justice John Okoro resumed duties shortly after the raid, Ngwuta was charged to court.
    He was first arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on corruption-related charges and later, arraigned before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), over his alleged failure to declare some of his assets. Both charges were filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

    On March 23, 2018, the Federal High Court upheld his challenge of the competence of the charge and discharged him.

    Justice John Tsoho, in a ruling, relied on the Court of Appeal decision in the appeal by Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa (of the Federal High Court) and held that it was wrong to subject Justice Ngwuta’s trial before his court, without first, subjecting him to the disciplinary procedure of the NJC.

    On May 15, 2018 the CCT also held in similar manner and struck out the charge against Justice Ngwuta.

    Since the last decision by the CCT, Justice Ngwuta has not resumed normal judicial functions. He has not been sighted sitting as a member of any panel of the court.

  • CJN Fixes Sept 23 For Swearing-In Of 38 New SANs

    By Emmanuel Bagudu, ABUJA

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, will on Monday, September 23, swear-in 38 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria, (SANs).
    The event which holds at the main courtroom of the Supreme Court is one of the several programmes lined up to herald the 2019/2020 legal year of the apex court.
    A statement by Festus Akande, Director Press and Information, Supreme Court on Wednesday stated that out of the 117 legal practitioners that applied for the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2019, only 38 were successful at the end of the rigorous exercise.
    Out of this number, three are academics while 35 are advocates.
    The Supreme Court commenced its annual vacation after the 2018/2019 legal year on Monday 29 July, 2019.
    “As customary, the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, will deliver a state-of-the Judiciary address which is ostensibly to highlight the performance of the Supreme Court, and by extension, the Nigerian Judiciary in the outgoing 2018/2019 legal year.

  • FG commences ‘secret’ investigation into bank accounts of Lawan, Gbajabiamila, CJN others

    The Federal Government has commenced an investigation into bank accounts belonging to Senate President Ahmed Lawan, his deputy, Ovie Omo-Agege; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; his deputy, Idris Wase, as well as the principal officers and members of the National Assembly.

    The probe conducted by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) would also investigate accounts owned by Nigeria judges including the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Tanko Muhammad.

    The bank accounts of “other relevant politically exposed persons,” are also included.

    The NFIU has taken a giant step in their secret investigation and written to all banks in the country, to send the banking information of the names under investigation.

    The letter signed by the NFIU’s Associate Director, Analysis and Compliance, Fehintola Salisu, gave the banks up till September 13 (Friday) to comply with the directive.

    The letter addressed to all Chief Compliance Officers of the banks was tagged “Request for information on all accounts of 1. the National Assembly. 2. All accounts of all the members of the National Judicial Council. 3. All accounts of all the members of the National Assembly. 4. Accounts of principal officers (Management) of National Assembly Service Commission. 5. All accounts of principal officers of the judiciary.”

    “Kindly provide the NFIU with a schedule (account names and account numbers) of the National Assembly, members of National Assembly and principal officers of National Assembly Service Commission, as well as all accounts of National Judicial Service Commission and their principal officers, including judges and other relevant politically exposed persons.

    “Kindly note that your response is expected on or before September 13, 2019,” the letter read.

    However, when questioned, the NFIU Director, Modibbo Tukur, said he was not aware of the letter, but stated that the banks could be punished for leaking the content of the letter, which he described as an “operational issue”.

    He said, “You must have seen that the letter was not signed by me. It is an operational issue.

    “If it is an operational issue, leaking it is an offence. It is a punishable offence.

    “If they are doing their analysis, it may not come to my knowledge. I will find out if you want me to do so.

    “But the person you mentioned that signed the letter is an operational director. So anything she signs is confidential. I am even surprised at how the banks allowed it to leak. It is punishable.”

    Reacting to the exercise, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr Peter Akpatason, said it was a routine process by the security and intelligence agencies.

    He said: “I am not aware (of it) but I think it is a routine thing that they do. I don’t think there is any big deal about it.

    “It is a normal thing. Ideally, they should have the account details of business people, politicians and others.”

    When asked about the possibility of clamping down on targeted persons, the legislator said, “I do not think it is targeted at any particular person. It is a routine thing they are doing and they have the right to do it.”

    However, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, criticised the NFIU’s directive to the banks. He stated that it is purely invasion of privacy.

    According to Adeyeye, many of the senators were businessmen before they were elected to the red chambers, he argued that the NFIU knows where to go to find out the earnings of lawmakers and not their bank.

    “The salary and emoluments of the lawmakers are being determined by an agency of government that is well known. They can find out what the senators earn from them.

    “I don’t think it is right to ask banks to expose details of the accounts of each lawmaker because many of them are private businessmen and women until their election to the National Assembly.

    “Publishing the accounts of the senators is purely an invasion of privacy,” he said.

  • CJN swears in Justice Tsoho as acting Chief Judge, Federal High Court

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad, on Friday, swore in Justice John Tsoho as acting Chief Judge (CJ) of the Federal High Court.
    His appointment was sequel to the retirement of Justice Adamu AbdulKafarati, who attained the retirement age of 65 years on July 25.
    Tsoho’s elevation as acting CJ of the Federal High Court was in line with the rules that enables the most senior judge to occupy the office of the CJ when the post is vacant pending the appointment of a substantive chief judge.
    Justice Tsoho who hails from Benue, was born on June 24, 1959 and appointed a judge of the Federal High Court on Nov. 12, 1998.

  • BREAKING: Buhari swears in Tanko Muhammad as CJN

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday swore in Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
    He became the 18th CJN at the brief ceremony.
    Muhammad, who took over from the immediate past and suspended CJN, Walter Onnoghen, was screened and cleared by the Senate last week.
    He has been on acting capacity since January, 2019.
    At the swearing in ceremony were the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.
    Also at the ceremony that started around 10.30am, included Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
    Others included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, and Head of Service, Winifred Oyo-Ita

  • BREAKING: Senate confirms Justice Tanko as CJN

    The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Justice Tanko Muhammad as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.
    The red chamber had, on arrival of Muhammad into the chamber, gone into a closed session to set the template for the screening.
    Muhammad, who arrived at the Senate at around 10:10am, was ushered into the chamber around 11:13am.
    He was accompanied to the red chamber by top judiciary officers in the country.
    The CJN answered questions on corruption, administration of criminal justice and the poor funding of the judiciary
    Muhammad has been acting CJN since January 25 when the then CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, was suspended from office over alleged corrupt practices.
    President Muhammadu Buhari had, last Thursday, forwarded to the Senate a letter requesting the confirmation of Muhammad as substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.
    The President, in the letter of request, said the nomination was sequel to recommendation made to that effect by the National Judicial Council.
    The letter, titled, ‘Appointment of Chief Justice of Nigeria,’ reads: “In accordance with Section 231 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which gives the President the power to appoint a Chief Justice of Nigeria on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and subject to the confirmation of the appointment by the Senate, I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honorable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed for confirmation as Chief Justice of Nigeria.
    “It is my hope that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the distinguished Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
    In making the confirmation expeditiously, the Senate listed it on its order paper on Tuesday, upon which it resolved to carry out the screening at the committee of the whole on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 (today) .
    The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, said all the relevant credentials of the acting CJN have been distributed to all the senators for required perusal.
    He said, “Distinguished colleagues, please study the documents already distributed in preparation for screening and possible confirmation of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad as Chief Justice of Nigeria,” he said

  • JUST IN: Senate to screen Justice Tanko Muhammad as CJN Wednesday

    The Senate has resolved to screen the nomination of Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Mohammad on Wednesday.
    Justice Muhammad will be screened by a committee of the whole Senate. The decision to screen the nominee was taken after a voice vote called by the President of the Senate, Dr Ahmed Lawan.
    Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had last week, forwarded Justice Tanko’s name to the Senate for confirmation, in accordance with Section 23(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
    President Buhari forwarded Justice Mohammad’s name for confirmation based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).