The President, Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), sworn in Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN) at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.
Ariwoola, who is the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court was sworn-in at about 3:00pm, hours after the resignation of the immediate past CJN, Tanko Muhammad.
Justice Ariwoola, who hails from Oyo State was born on August 22, 1958.
Justice Ariwoola, was formerly a Justice of the Court of Appeal before he elevated to the Supreme Court Bench in 2011.
In March 2017, the then Acting President Yemi Osinbajo nominated Justice Walter Onnoghen as CJN; to replace Justice Mahmud Mohammed.
In January 2019, however, he was suspended for alleged false asset declaration, giving way for Justice Tanko Muhammad, who suddenly resigned on today; Monday morning for an undisclosed health issue.
Justice Ariwoola will serve in acting capacity until confirmed by the Senate under President Buhari’s request.
Meanwhile, the President Buhari has also conferred on the outgoing CJN the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger.
Present during the swearing in ceremony were : Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, other Justices of the Supreme Court, Director-General of the State Security Service(SSS), Yusuf Bichi, amongst others.