Osinbajo Swears in Justice Onnoghen as CJN

By Dipo Olowookere

Acting President, Mr Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, sworn-in Justice Walter Onnoghen as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

The ceremony was witnessed by some top government functionaries as well as the Senate President, Mr Bukola Saraki.

The Acting President charged the new CJN to use his position to bring about the needed reforms in the judiciary, saying his appointment came at a very crucial time.

He said the Federal Government was looking forward to Justice Onnoghen’s tenure as CJN to help revive and sustain the people’s confidence in the judiciary and the two other arms of government; the executive and legislature.

According to Mr Osinbajo, President Muhammadu Buhari, who is presently away in London for medical vacation, asked him to let the new CJN know that he was assuming office at a time when all arms of government suffer from loss of confidence from the people.

In his remarks, the new CJN expressed his commitment to continue to keep to his oath of office and solicited the cooperation of all Nigerians.

He also said his total loyalty was with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but emphasised that the key to achieving good governance in Nigeria lied in respecting the rule of law.

Justice Onnoghen is now the 17th Chief Justice of Nigeria.

At his swearing in today, held inside the council chambers of Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Acting President bestowed him with the Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON) award.

Mr Onnoghen hails from Cross River State and was first appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as acting CJN on November 10, 2016 after the retirement of former CJN, Mahmoud Mohammed.

His name was sent to the National Assembly by the Acting President for confirmation as substantive CJN on February 8 and on March 1, he was screened and confirmed by the Senate.