Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has sworn in Walter Onnoghen as the
17th Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted Tuesday inside the council
chambers of Aso Rock presidential villa, Abuja.
Mr. Osinbajo said President Muhammadu Buhari had asked him to let the
new CJN know that he was assuming office at a time “when all arms of
government suffers from loss of confidence from the people”.
He also said Mr. Buhari expressed the belief that the tenure of the
new CJN will help revive and sustain the people’s confidence.
Mr. Osinbajo said it was time to show Nigerians that the choice they
made in bringing in the administration was the right one.
Speaking earlier, the new CJN said his complete loyalty was with the
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He pledged to continue to keep to his oath of office and solicited the
cooperation of all Nigerians.
Mr. Onnoghen said the key to achieving good governance in Nigeria lies
in respecting the rule of law.
“To Nigerians who had kept the faith, some have even fasted, I say a
big thank you,” he said.
Part of the swearing-in ceremony was the investiture of the Grand
Commander of the Niger, GCON, on the new CJN.
The award, Nigeria’s second highest national honour, was given by Mr. Osinbajo.
The event was witnessed by Mr. Onnoghen’s family, Senate President
Bukola Saraki, former CJN Mohammed Mahmud, Justices of the Supreme
Court and other divisions, as well as Ministers.
Mr. Onnoghen, a native of Cross River state, was first appointed by
President Muhammadu Buhari as acting CJN on November 10, 2016 after
the retirement of former CJN, Mahmoud Mohammed.
Mr. Osinbajo returned his name to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation
as substantive CJN on February 8.
The Senate screened and confirmed him on March 1.