The Acting President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo acting on the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari has forward the name of Walter Onnoghen, acting chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), to the senate for confirmation as the substantive CJN.
The decision will usher in the first southern CJN in almost 30 years, was announced in a tweet from President Muhammadu Buhari’s handle shortly before noon Wednesday.
The tweet read “Hon. Justice W.S. Onnoghen’s name has been sent to the Senate for confirmation as the next CJN,”
As reported by TheCable, Buhari said the name should be transmitted to the upper legislative chamber before February 10.
“Your Excellency may recall that I sent a letter dated 10th November, 2016, to Honourable Jutice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen CFR, appointing him as acting chief justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the letter read.
“His acting appointment is due to lapse on the 10th of February, 2017. I am therefore, authorising you to write to the Distinguished Senate, in conformity with section 231 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, requesting for the confirmation of the same Honourable Jutice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen CFR, as the substantive Chief Justice of the Federation with effect from the date of the senate confirmation.
“Please accept, Mr Acting President, the assurances of my kind regards.”
Recall that the delay in confirming Onnoghen had sparked controversy and speculations of ethnic bias on the part of the president.
President Muhammadu Buhari is currently on medical vacation in the UK.
