Onnoghen-being-decorated by then Acting President Yemi Osinbajo
Walter Onnoghen has been sworn in by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) in a brief ceremony. He was also conferred with the second highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). The inauguration was witnessed by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki; former Chief justices of Nigeria, ministers, Justices of the Supreme Court and other dignitaries.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted Tuesday inside the council chambers of Aso Rock presidential villa, Abuja.
Onnoghen, a native of Cross River state, was first appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as acting CJN on November 10, 2016 after the retirement of former CJN, Mahmoud Mohammed.
Acting President Osinbajo returned his name to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation as substantive CJN on February 8.
The Senate screened and confirmed him on March 1.
Prof. Osinbajo said President Muhammadu Buhari had asked him to let the new CJN know that he was assuming office at a time “when all arms of government suffers from loss of confidence from the people”.
He also said Mr. Buhari expressed the belief that the tenure of the new CJN will help revive and sustain the people’s confidence. Buhari also sent his congratulatory message to the new CJN through the Acting President.
Osinbajo said it was time to show Nigerians that the choice they made in bringing in the administration was the right one.
The new CJN had earlier pledged his loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He pledged to continue to keep to his oath of office and solicited the cooperation of all Nigerians.
Onnoghen said the key to achieving good governance in Nigeria lies in respecting the rule of law.
“To Nigerians who had kept the faith, some have even fasted, I say a big thank you,” he said.
