Senate confirms Onnoghen as CJN
The Senate yesterday confirmed Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen as substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The confirmation hearing lasted for about 1.15minutes with Senators grilling Onnoghen.
Onnoghen who succeeds Justice Mahmud Mohammed is the 15th Nigerian to occupy the position as five of the CJNs were foreigners.
Responding to from senators, questions Onnoghen said under his watch the independence of the Judiciary would be reinforced and that he cannot be pocketed.
“The fear of me not exhibiting the uncommon courage that has earlier been exhibited I assure you that I remain whom I have been on the bench right from the beginning and intend to end that way by the special grace of God.
“I believe you don’t need to see a judge before you can have justice and I also believe that it takes two to have a dispute and I know that most of them don’t have the same story to tell as to the reason for that dispute,” he said.
Responding to question on the call for the creation of special court to hear corruption cases, he said the Judiciary was not against it.
In his remark after the confirmation, Senate President Bukola Saraki congratulated Onnoghen saying “In addressing the integrity and confidence in the Nigerian people on the Judiciary, we hope you will continue to ensure that the Judiciary is the last hope of the common.”