The Senate yesterday confirmed Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN).
Justice Ariwoola was confirmed after responding to a few questions from lawmakers on the floor of the Senate.
Recall that Ariwoola was appointed as the acting CJN after Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad resigned as the head of the country’s judiciary in June 2022, and President Muhammadu Buhari forwarded his name to the Senate for confirmation. The Upper Chamber could not confirm him then as they were on recess.
Justice Ariwoola has been acting CJN after the former, Tanko Muhammad resigned based on health ground, but according to unconfirmed reports his resignation was due to the allegation of corruption levelled against him by the Supreme Court. However, yesterday, the Senate screened Justice Ariwoola and confirmed him.
Senate Leader, Senator Abdullahi Gobir, had brought the issue of confirmation of the acting CJN on the floor of the upper chamber.
Gobir moved that the Senate consider the request of the president on the confirmation of the nomination, in accordance with Section 231(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). He then moved that the Senate do resolve into the Committee of the Whole.
Minority Leader, Senator Philip Aduda seconded the motion, which led to the screening of the acting CJN. He was confirmed as substantive CJN after the screening by the Upper Chamber.
