Senate confirms Muhammad as Chief Justice of Nigeria

The Senate has confirmed Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on Thursday requested Mr Muhammad’s confirmation. His request was sequel to the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to make Justice Muhammad the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Mr Muhammad was first appointed in January after the president controversially suspended Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, who was accused of false declaration of asset.

Prior to the confirmation, the lawmakers went into an executive session which lasted for about half an hour after which Mr Muhammad was invited into the chamber.

The Senate voted to confirm him after he responded to questions from the lawmakers during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday. Mr Muhammad fielded questions on various subjects, relating to the independence of the judiciary, corruption in the judiciary, establishment of special courts for corruption trial and respect for court rulings, among others.

During his hearing, he pledged to work with the executive and legislative arms of government to “take Nigerian judiciary to greater heights.”

“My view is that only the legislature can put things right. Call a spade a spade. I assure you that we are trying to work with the judiciary. We must ensure that the judiciary is properly remunerated. We will work with you,” said Senate President Ahmad Lawan, commending Mr Muhammad and thanking his colleagues who asked wide range of questions.

The Senate thereafter confirmed Mr Muhammad as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.