Senate Confirms Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Justice Walter Onnoghen has been confirmed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, making him the first Southerner to occupy the position in nearly 30 years.

Justice Onnoghen was confirmed on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, by the Senate after undergoing screening before the lawmakers.

The exercise took over one hour, but at the end, he was unanimously confirmed for the position after his nomination from the presidency.

During his questioning by the red chamber, the new CJN promised to reforms in the judiciary and also restore its dignity and integrity.

Justice Onnoghen, during his screening, emphasised the need to maintain independence of the judiciary, warning that attempt to politicise it could spell danger.

Prior to his confirmation today, Justice Onnoghen had been in acting capacity since November 10, 2016 when President Muhammadu Buhari approved his nomination from the National Judicial Council (NJC), following the retirement of Mahmud Mohammed.