Breaking: Buhari Appoints New Chief Judge of Nigeria

Walter Nkanu Onnoghen (JSC)

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of  Justice Walter Nkanu Onnoghen (JSC) as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN barely 24 hours to the exit of the retiring Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed who will attend the age of 70 today, the mandatory retirement age for judges.  

The National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended him as Mohammed’s successor-in-office based on the Nigeria's tradition of appointing the most senior justice of the supreme court to succeed the retiring CJN.   

With the current search light beamed on the judiciary the president has shown reluctance in making the appointment however, he reportedly consented on Wednesday to swear Onnoghen in, in acting capacity, to avoid constitutional crisis that will be created with the Mohammed’s exit without appointing a new one.

President Buhari, as the appointing authority, is yet to send Onnoghen or any other name to the Senate for confirmation as required by law.

Justice Onnoghen will be sworn in, today (Thursday) at the Aso Rock presidential villa.