BREAKING: Buhari swears in Ariwoola as acting Chief Justice of Nigeria

Confers Tanko Muhammad with national honour

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Monday, swore in Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.

Ariwoola, who is the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court was sworn-in at around 3:00pm, hours after the resignation of the former CJN, Tanko Muhammad.

Born on August 22, 1958, Justice Ariwoola, who hails from Iseyin, Oyo State, was formerly a Justice of the Court of Appeal before being elevated to the Supreme Court bench in 2011.

Since the Buhari-led regime emerged in 2015, it has appointed three Chief Justices in both acting and substantive capacities.

In March 2017, then acting President Yemi Osinbajo nominated Justice Walter Onnoghen as the CJN to replace Justice Mahmud Mohammed.

In January 2019, however, Onnoghen was suspended for alleged false asset declaration, paving the way for the Bauchi-born Justice Tanko Muhammad, who suddenly resigned on Monday morning for an undisclosed health issue.

Justice Ariwoola will serve in an acting capacity until confirmed by the Senate under President Buhari’s request.

The President also conferred on the outgoing CJN with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger.

In attendance were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba; other Justices of the Supreme Court, Director-General of the State Security Service, Yusuf Bichi, amongst others.