President Muhammadu Buhari will swear in a new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) following the resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad who has been holding the office since 2019.
A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, confirmed the development in a tweet on Monday.
News of Muhammad’s resignation emerged on Sunday, citing health issues as the reason for the decision.
Ahmad’s tweet read, “Justice Olukayode Ariwoola to be sworn-in as acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by President Muhammadu Buhari today.”
Ariwoola would be appointed in an acting capacity pending when the process of his substantive appointment which includes a recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and confirmation by the President subject to the screening by the Senate would be concluded.
The resignation by Muhammad comes about 18 months ahead of his official retirement in December 2023, when he will clock 70.
