Senate confirms Ariwoola as substantive CJN

The Senate has screened and confirmed the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN , Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the substance CJN.

Mr Ariwoola’s confirmation as CJN was a sequel to his answering of questions from the Senators.

He was later asked to take a bow at 12.45pm.

Recall that the Senate had on July 26th, 2022 received a letter from President Muhammadu Buhari that sought the screening and subsequent confirmation of Mr Ariwoola who is presently in acting capacity as the CJN.

Mr Buhari’s letter, dated July 25, 2022 was read during plenary by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

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.”

Justice Ariwoola’s appointment as CJN by President Buhari was sequel to the resignation of former Chief Justice Muhammad Tanko on 27th June, 2022.

Mr Tanko’s resignation was against the backdrop of a protest by 14 aggrieved Justices over issues of welfare.

However, the former CJN, in his resignation letter, cited health grounds as the reason for his decision.