Jonathan Forwards Name of New CJN To Senate For confirmation

Jonathan Forwards Name of New CJN To Senate For confirmation

Following the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), President Goodluck Jonathan, on Wednesday, forwarded to the Senate, a request for the confirmation of the appointment of Hon Justice Mahmud Mohammed as the new Chief Justice of the Federation.

The president in his letter dated 10 November 2014, which was read on the floor of the Senate by David Mark, maintained that his request for the senate confirmation was in conformity with section 231 sub-
section (1) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

Jonathan urged the lawmakers to expedite action on the request in view of the fact that the incumbent CJN, Justice Aloma Muktar, would leave office on the 20th of this month having attained the retirement age of 70.

The letter titled, “Appointment of Chief Justice of Nigeria,” reads in part: “In conformity with section 231 sub section (1) of the 1999 constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria , as amended, which gives the President powers to appoint a Chief Justice of Nigeria, acting on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and subject to confirmation of the appointment by the Senate, I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Mahmud Mohammed , CFR for confirmation as Chief Justice of Nigeria.”

The Senate has not fixed the date for the screening and confirmation of the nominee before the committee.