NJC Extends Onnoghen’s Tenure As Acting Chief Judge
Walter Onnoghen, acting Chief Justice of Nigeria[/caption]
The tenure of Walter Onnoghen as acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, has been extended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) after an emergency meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
The NJC resolution, reportedly signed by Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, was forwarded to the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, who submitted Onnoghen’s name for confirmation.
It was gathered that the NJC took this action following reports that the Senate may not be able to confirm Onnoghen, before his original tenure expires on Friday, as they were on recess as at the time of the submission of name.
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“All the NJC members that attended the meeting were unanimous in the decision to re-nominate Justice Onnoghen. We have already forwarded the letter to the Presidency,” a source told FinancialWatch.
According to section 231(5) of the 1999 constitution, as amended, “Except on the recommendation of the NJC”, Onnoghen’s appointment by President Buhari “shall cease to have effect after the expiration of three months from the date of such appointment, and the President shall not re-appoint a person whose appointment has elapsed”.
