Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has been confirmed as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by the Nigeria Senate.
Ariwoola has been holding the office in acting capacity following the the resignation of Ibrahim Muhammad Tanko who threw in the towel amidst petitions by 14 justices of the apex court. The Justices accused him of abandoning his responsibilities as the leader of the court.
In July, President Muhammadu Buhari asked the senate to confirm the appointment of Ariwoola as CJN.
“Pursuant to section 231 (1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended; I forward for confirmation by the Senate of Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the chief justice of Nigeria,” Buhari had said.
The upper legislative chamber confirmed Ariwoola as CJN on Wednesday after Abdullahi Gobir, senate leader, moved a motion to screen him in the “committee of the whole”.
The CJN was screened and subsequently confirmed through a voice vote
The new Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola in his speech, asked the National Assembly, NASS, to amend the constitution to ensure that some of the cases terminate at the Court of Appeal.
He decried the poor funding of the judiciary and asked NASS to grant express approval to court budgets.
The CJN also wants more justices for the Supreme Court.
He said there is no rift with the former CJN.
