An official letter from Acting President Yemi Osinbajo requesting the confirmation of the chief justice of Nigeria, has been read by the Senate President.
President Buhari shakes Justice Walter Onnoghen after swearing him in as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
While addressing lawmakers during Tuesday's plenary session, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, read a letter from Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo requesting the confirmation of Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Recall that Onnoghen has been acting CJN since November 10, 2016 when Mahmud Mohammed, his predecessor, retired, and a controversy later brewed over President Muhammadu Buhari’s delay in sending his name to the senate for confirmation as CJN.
The National Judicial Council (NJC), which had nominated Onnoghen for the position, re-nominated him on February 9 – a day before the expiration of his three-month tenure.
It was learnt that Onnoghen’s tenure as acting CJN was due to elapse on February 10, but it was only two days before the time that the presidency communicated to the upper legislative chamber on his confirmation.
The senate however could not consider the request because it was on a three-week recess.