President Muhammad Buhari has sworn in Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria today at the Aso Rock Villa.
President Buhari had sent in the letter nominating Tanko for the position of CJN to the Senate on July 11, asking for his request to “receive the usual expeditious consideration of the distinguished Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”. CJN Tanko was then confirmed by the Senate during a plenary session last week.
This morning President @MBuhari will swear in Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). #AsoVillaToday pic.twitter.com/CDUIbySnOV
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) July 24, 2019
President Buhari had also said in his request letter for the appointment of the new CJN that the nomination had been based on the recommendation from the National Judicial Council. This is in accordance with Section 231 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). It 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.
Muhammad Tanko has been the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria since January 25 when the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, was suspended from office over alleged corrupt practices. The new CJN position will take effect immediately and can only end at his death or in 4 years when he turns 70 years old.