Onnoghen Sworn-in As 17th CJN, gets GCON
Onnoghen Sworn-in As 17th CJN, gets GCON
Today, 7th March, Justice Walter Onnoghen was inaugurated as the 17 Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.
It was a double honour for Onnoghen as he was also decorated with Grand Commander of Order of the Niger (GCON) by the Acting President.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted Tuesday inside the council chambers of Aso Rock presidential villa, Abuja.
Justice. Onnoghen, a native of Cross River state, was first appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as the acting CJN on November 10, 2016 after the retirement of former CJN, Mahmoud Mohammed.
Osinbajo returned his name to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation as substantive CJN on February 8. Onnoghen was screened and confirmed by the Senate on 1st March.
The Acting President said he spoke with President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, and the President sent his good wishes to the CJN. Osinbajo also 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”.
The inauguration was witnessed by the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; former CJNs, members of the Federal Executive Council; Justices of the Supreme Court and members of Onnoghen’s family, among others.
Shortly after taking his oath of office, Osinbajo decorated Onnoghen with the second highest national honours of the Grand Commander of Order of the Niger (GCON).
In his remarks, Justice Onnoghen promised to lead the judiciary and ensure the independence of the arm of government.
He urged all to adhere strictly to the rule of law.
He solicited the continued cooperation from all the Justices of the Supreme Court.
