CJN, Tanko Muhammad Resigns, Ariwoola Is Sworn In as acting Chief Justice of Nigeria

Image: Daily Post Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari today swore Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.

The news is coming a few hours after the former CJN, Tanko Muhammad, resigned for undisclosed health issues. Ariwoola happens to be the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court. He was sworn in at around 3.00 pm Nigerian Time.

Justice Ariwoola was born on August 22, 1958, in Oyo State. He was a former Justice of the Court of Appeal before his elevation to the Supreme Court bench in 2011.

This is not the first time the Buhari-led government will be appointing Chief Justices. In fact, since the beginning of the regime, it has appointed three Chief Justices in acting and substantive capacities.

Under the Buhari regime, Yemi Osinbajo (acting president then) nominated Justice Walter Onnoghen as CJN to take over from Justice Mahmud Mohammed in March 2017. However, he was suspended in January 2019 for alleged false asset declaration.

After his suspension, Justice Tanko Muhammad was sworn in to replace him.

Until confirmed by the Senate under President Buhari’s request, Justice Ariwoola will serve as acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

In addition, Buhari conferred the just resigned CJN with the Commander of the Order of the Niger.

Witnessing the occasion include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, other Justices of the Supreme Court, Director-General of the State Security Service, Yusuf Bichi, amongst others.

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