President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the senate requesting the confirmation of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The president’s letter was read by the senate president, Mr. Ahmad Lawan on the resumption of plenary.
The President’s letter dated July 25, 2022 reads: “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.”
Recall that Ariwoola’s appointment as acting CJN by President Buhari was sequel to the resignation of former chief justice, Muhammad Tanko on 27th June, 2022.
Tanko’s resignation followed a petitioned by 14 Supreme Court justices accusing him of neglecting their welfare as well as mismanaging funds appropriated to the apex court.
However, the former CJN, in his resignation letter, cited health grounds as reason for his decision.
In another letter to the Senate dated July 21, 2022, the president requested the lawmaker to confirm the nomination of Dr. Suleiman Agha Afikpo as commissioner representing the southeast zone, at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
Buhari also nominated four non-executive directors on the board of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for reappointment.
The President explained that the request to confirm the nominees was made in accordance with Section 10(3) (a) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007.
The nominees are expected to be screened and confirmed by the Senate for appointment as Non-Executive Directors of the CBN.
The nominees for confirmation include Prof. Mike Idiahi Obadan (south-south); Prof. Justitia Odinakachukwu Nnabuko (southeast); Prof. Ummu Ahmed Jalingo (northeast) and Mr. Adeola Adetunji (southwest).
Besides, the president, in another letter dated July 25, 2022, urged the senate to screen and confirm 19 nominees for appointment as resident electoral commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The president said the request for the confirmation of the nominees was in accordance with the Provisions of Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
He explained that five of the nominated RECs are for renewal of appointments while the other 14 are fresh engagements.
The nominees for confirmation include Ibrahim Abdullahi (Adamawa – Renewal); Obo O. Effanga (Cross River – Renewal); Mr. Umar Ibrahim (Taraba – Renewal); Dr. Agboke Mutiu Olaleke (Ogun – Renewal); and Prof. Samuel E. Egwu (Kogi – Renewal).
Others are: Onyeka Pauline Ugochi (Imo); Prof. Muhammad Lawal Bashir (Sokoto); Prof. Ayobami Salami (Oyo); Amb. Zango Abdussamadu Abdu (Katsina); Mrs. Queen Elizabeth Agwu (Ebonyi); and Dr. Agundu Oliver Tersoo (Benue).
Also to be confirmed are Yomere Gabriel Oritsemlebi (Delta); Prof. Yahaya Makarfi Ibrahim (Kaduna); Dr. Nura Ali (Kano); Agu Sylvia Uchenna (Enugu); Ahmed Yushau Garki (FCT); Barr. Hudu Yunusa (Bauchi); Prof Uzochukwu Ikemefuna Chijioke (Anambra); and Mohammed B. Nura (Yobe).
