Hon. Justice W.S. Onnoghen’s name has been sent to the Senate for confirmation as the next CJN.
His profile here: https://t.co/E198hYIGDv— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) February 8, 2017
A source close to the Office of the Senate President, who confirmed this said Senate President Bukola Saraki received the letter requesting the upper chamber to screen and confirm Justice Onnoghen.
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Similarly, a senator who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said he was aware that the Senate will ensure that his nomination follows thorough investigative and screening process.
“The Senate President is in receipt of the letter from the acting president, but it will be left to Senator Saraki to reconvene plenary to start the screening process.
“But even if he does so, the presidency should not expect us to rubber stamp Justice Onnoghen’s nomination, as we would have to carry out our own background checks, investigation and screening before deciding whether to confirm him or not,” the senator said.
Recall that on November 10, 2016, Buhari inaugurated Onnoghen as acting CJN following the retirement of Justice Mahmud Mohammed at the attainment of the mandatory 70-year retirement age.
The National Judicial Council had earlier forwarded Onnoghen’s name to the President to be named the new CJN based on the recommendation of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.
The President, who was expected to forward the name of the nominee to the Senate for confirmation however delayed until two days before the acting Justice appointment was expected to expire.