October 12, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, swore in Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, preceded the weekly virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The event was witnessed by other justices of the Supreme Court as well as the governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, and his Ondo state counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Ministers and other members of the cabinet.
Also seated as witnesses to the ceremony were Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan; Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Bambari and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd).
Others were ministers who came in to attend the week’s Council meeting, including Hadi Sirika (Aviation); Olorunnimbe Mamora (Science, Technology and Innovation); Chris Ngige (Labour and Employment); Abubakar Malami (Attorney-General and Justice); Niyi Adebayo (Industry, Trade and Investment); Babatunde Fashola (Works and Housing); Abubakar Aliyu, and others.
Speaking with newsmen after the event, Justice Ariwoola appealed to politicians in the country to allow the judiciary to function properly as the 2023 elections approach while promising reforms at the apex court
On his part, Governor Seyi Makinde expressed gratitude on behalf of the people and government of Oyo State to the president.
Justice Ariwoola was appointed Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria on June 27, 2022, following the resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad, on health grounds.
In July, the president asked the senate to confirm the appointment of Ariwoola as the substantive CJN.
The senate had on September 21 confirmed his appointment during plenary.
Ariwoola has been holding the office since the resignation of Ibrahim Muhammad.
Muhammad resigned after 14 justices of the apex court accused him of abandoning his responsibilities as the leader of the court.
Meanwhile, the Council observed a minute of silence in honour of former Minister for Special Duties and Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, who died recently.
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