President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, swore in Justice Ibrahim Tanko as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The swearing-in took place at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, according to the verified Twitter handle of the Presidency.
Muhammad was first sworn in January as acting CJN following the suspension of former CJN Walter Onnoghen.
Today’s swearing in followed the voluntary retirement of Onnoghen and his (Muhammed) subsequent confirmation on July 17 by the Senate as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Muhammad, who hails from Doguwa, Giade Local Government of Bauchi State, was born on December 31, 1953.
He became Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2006 and was sworn in on January 8, 2007.
The swearing in was witnessed by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.
Others at the event were governors of Bauchi and Ekiti states, Alhaji Bala Muhammed and Dr Kayode Fayemi, some top judicial personnel as well as friends, relatives and associates of the new CJN.
President Buhari had on July 11, 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 the 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.”
