Senate confirms Justice Ariwoola as substantive CJN

The Nigerian Senate confirmed Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), on Wednesday.

Since the resignation of Ibrahim Muhammad Tanko, who left the service amidst health challenges, and the alleged petitions by 14 justices of the apex court, Ariwoola has been holding the office in an acting capacity.

Recall that ahead of the resignation of Tanko, the 14 Justices accused him of abandoning his responsibilities as the leader of the court.

Following Tanko’s resignation, President Muhammadu Buhari forwarded Ariwoola to the Senate and asked the red Chambers to confirm his appointment as CJN.

“Pursuant to section 231 (1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended; I forward for confirmation by the Senate of Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the chief justice of Nigeria,” Buhari had said.

After two months, the upper legislative chamber confirmed Ariwoola as CJN after Abdullahi Gobir, senate leader, moved a motion to screen him in the “committee of the whole”.

Ariwoola was screened and subsequently confirmed through a voice vote

The new Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola in his speech, asked the National Assembly, NASS, to amend the constitution to ensure that some of the cases terminate at the Court of Appeal.

He also frowned at the poor funding of the judiciary and asked NASS to grant express approval to court budgets.

The CJN who demanded more justices for the Supreme Court said that there was no rift between the Supreme Court justices and the former CJN.