The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwola for appointment as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
His confirmation came shortly after the screening exercise by the Senate.
Justice Ariwoola succeed Justice Tanko Muhammad, who suddenly resigned on June 26, 2022, on health ground.
Earlier during the screening session before his confirmation while responding to questions on alleged petition against the former CJN, Justice Ariwola said Justices of the Supreme Court did not write any petition against the
past chief justice.
He explained that what transpired was that they put their
complaints about lack trainings, accommodations for some of their
colleagues and other embarrassing situation of lack of power supply to discharge their duties at the Supreme Court in writing as
an internal memo, and sent to the then CJN Muhammad in person.
He further explained that it was, embarrassing for them find that the content of the memo
was leaked to the public .
Also, Justice Ariwoola asked the National Assembly to undertake the necessary
amendment of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to allow certain cases to
terminate at the Appeal Court.
He argued that by doing so, the workload on the Justices of the Supreme
Court will be reduced and their efficiency will be enhanced, urging for more funding
However many senators. expressed confidence that things will change for the better in the judicial system, going by what they heard from the incoming Chief Justice
Senator Sani Musa from Niger state is among them and said the nominee has the quality and capacity to hold the position and satisfied with his submission on how to transform judiciary thereby confirming the Senate’s endosement for his appointment as substantive chief justice of Nigeria
Justice Ariwoola assured to bring technological innovations to
ease the work of judicial officers, workers and lawyers if confirmed.
Bashir Mayere
