Senate Confirms Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria

The Senate, on Wednesday, confirmed the appointment of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, making him the first person from the southern part of the country to occupy the office in the last 30 years.

Onnoghen is from Cross River State.The last CJN from the South was Justice Ayo Irikefe, who occupied the office in 1987.

Onnoghen was screened by Committee of the Whole of the Senate.

The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, had written to the Senate, asking for legislative approval for the appointment of the new CJN.

In the letter dated February 7, 2017, with reference number SH/AG. PRESIDENT/SEN/02/0, Osinbajo sought legislative confirmation for the appointment of Justice Walter Onnoghen of the Supreme Court as the CJN.

The letter read, “Following the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, I hereby notify you of the appointment of the Honourable Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen (CFR) as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“The Senate President is requested to kindly present the said appointment of the Honourable Justice Onnoghen for confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pursuant to Section 231(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”