VP forwards acting CJN’s name to Senate for confirmation

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has sent the name of the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen to the Senate for confirmation.

According to ThisDay, Osinbajo sent a letter to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki on Tuesday, February 7, 2017.

A lawmaker also confirmed that the Senate President received the letter requesting that Onnoghen be confirmed as the substantive CJN.

The Senator however warned that it will not rubber stamp the appointment of the acting CJN.

He said “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.”

Reports also say the challenge now, is that the Senate is on recess and Justice Onnoghen’s tenure as CJN will expire in some days.

According to ThisDay, only the National Judicial Council (NJC) can renew Onnoghen’s tenure as acting CJN.

The NJC, which Onnoghen heads, is considering the option of recommending the acting CJN for another tenure, reports say.

ALSO READ: Fayose calls for confirmation of acting CJN‘s appointment

According to an NJC source who spoke to newsmen, “While serving in an acting capacity for the second time, the Senate will go about its business screening him at its own pace.”

Several groups and notable Nigerians had earlier called on the Federal Government to confirm the appointment of Justice Walter Onnoghen.