Buhari Forwards Justice Ariwoola’s Name To Senate For Confirmation As CJN

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday forwarded the name of the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to the Senate for confirmation.

Justice Ariwoola was made the acting CJN following the retirement of his predecessor, Justice Tanko Muhammad.

Justice Muhammad reportedly resigned from office on the 27th of June, 2022 over health-related issues.

Tanko’s resignation came barely two weeks after fourteen Justices of the Supreme Court filed a petition on allegations of corruption against him.

The Judges in the petition accused Tanko of non-payment of their legitimate entitlements, including poor working conditions

President Buhari on Tuesday in a letter forwarded to the upper chamber and read by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, during plenary, called for Justice Olukayode to be made the substantive CJN.

According to President Buhari, his request before the lawmakers is in line with constitutional provisions.

He charged the lawmakers to consider his request with speed and efficiency.

Justice Ariwoola, who hails from Oyo State, would be the 18th CJN of Nigeria if approved by the Senate.

He would also be saddled with the responsibility of appointing judges and justices that would handle election petitions that arise from the 2023 general elections.

He would also preside over the presidential election petition in the event of any.