Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday asked the Senate to confirm the appointment of the acting Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the substantive CJN.
The request was contained in a letter by the president dated 25th July, 2022, and read by the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, at the start of plenary on Tuesday.
The letter read: “Pursuant to Section 231(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
“While I hope that the submission will be considered in the usual expeditious manner, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Ariwoola’s appointment as CJN by President Buhari was sequel to the resignation of former Chief Justice Muhammad Tanko on 27th June, 2022.
Tanko’s resignation was against the backdrop of a protest by 14 aggrieved Justices over issues of welfare.