- CJN seeks criminal laws’ review, financial autonomy for judiciary
BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of Justice Muhammad Tanko as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The confirmation came on Wednesday after a two-hour gruelling screening session at the National Assembly.
Justice Muhammad, who had to face the Senate during plenary at the upper legislative Chamber, was bombarded with questions by the lawmakers.
The session, which commenced at 11.40am and ended at 1.20pm, saw Justice Mohammed challenging the lawmakers with his submission that it is the legislature’s responsibility to sanitize the society by making good laws for governance.
The CJN also maintained that the complete financial autonomy is required if efforts at eradicating corruption in judicial arm of government must yield the expected results.
Similarly, he advocated an urgent amendment to Criminal Laws in the country to ensure adequate penalties are meted out to offenders and culprits.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Thursday last week forwarded a letter to the Senate requesting its confirmation of Tanko Muhammad as the substantive CJN.
The letter, communicated through the Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, said the President’s nomination followed the recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Titled: ‘Appointment of Chief Justice of Nigeria’, the letter said; ”In accordance with Section 231 (1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which gives the president the power to appoint a Chief Justice of Nigeria on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and subject to the confirmation of the appointment by the Senate. I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed for confirmation as Chief Justice of Nigeria.
“It is my hope that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the distinguished Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, the President’s letter said.
Justice Tanko Muhammad was appointed acting CJN by the President on January 25, 2019 when the former CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen was suspended from office over allegations of non assets declaration.
