SAN FRANCISCO, March 06, (THEWILL) – The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday administered the oath of office and allegiance on Justice Walter Onnoghen as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN.
Onnoghen was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 10, 2016 as the Acting CJN. In line with constitutional provisions, his name was sent to the Senate on February 7, 2017 by Acting President Osinbajo for confirmation.
The upper legislative chamber last Wednesday last week screened and
confirmed Onnoghen’s nomination.
Speaking at the brief swearing-in ceremony which took place at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Osinbajo reminded the new CJN of the enormous task ahead of him, saying the fate of millions of Nigerians were now placed in his hands for justice.
He disclosed that he spoke with President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday and the President sent his good wishes to the new CJN. He pointed out that Onnoghen was assuming the position at a crucial time in the nation’s history.
The Acting President decorated Onnoghen with the second highest national honours of the Grand Commander of Order of the Niger, GCON.
In his remarks, Onnoghen promised to lead the judiciary and pledged to uphold the rule of law as well as ensure the independence of the judiciary.
He urged all to adhere strictly to the rule of law even as he solicited the continued cooperation from all the Justices of the Supreme Court.
The inauguration was witnessed by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki; former CJNs members of the Federal Executive Council; Justices of the Supreme Court and his family members among others.
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