By Nuel Suji – The Senate has confirmed Walter Onnoghen as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Mr. Onnoghen was confirmed Wednesday after going through the screening exercise during a Committee of the Whole of the senate.
President of the Senate Bukola Saraki, who presided of the screening commended Mr. Onnoghen saying, “We are enlightened by some of the views presented today.”
Mr. Saraki, described the confirmation of the new CJN as a milestone, thanking his colleagues who participated in the exercise.
Senators asked questions on various subjects especially on the independence of the judiciary, establishment of special courts for corruption trial and respect for court rulings.
The CJN pledged to uphold the independence of the Judiciary.
Until today’s confirmation, controversy had trailed the delay in the confirmation of Mr. Onnoghen as substantive CJN with many speculating that President Muhammadu Buhari may not be averse to his confirmation despite his recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The controversy had assumed a new dimension when his tenure as acting CJN was about to expire last month, until his name was eventually forwarded to the Senate on February 8 for confirmation as a substantive CJN by acting President Yemi Osinbajo.
Mr. Onnoghen had served acting capacity since November 10, 2016 when he was so appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, following the retirement of Mahmud Mohammed.
