Onnoghen becomes Chief Justice of Nigeria

 
JUSTICE Walter Onnoghen of the Supreme Court Today took his oath of office and allegiance as the 17th Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo inside the council chambers of Aso Rock presidential villa, Abuja.
The senate on Wednesday last week screened and confirmed his nomination.
Speaking at the brief swearing-in ceremony, Osinbajo reminded the new CJN of the enormous task ahead of him, saying the fate of millions of Nigerians were now placed in his hands for justice.
Similarly, the new CJN pledged to uphold the rule of law and ensure the independence of the judiciary.
Onnoghen, a native of Cross River state, was first appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as acting CJN on November 10, 2016 after the retirement of former CJN, Mahmoud Mohammed.
Speaking earlier, the new CJN said his complete loyalty was with the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He pledged to continue to keep to his oath of office and solicited the cooperation of all Nigerians.
Mr. Onnoghen said the key to achieving good governance in Nigeria lies in respecting the rule of law.
“To Nigerians who had kept the faith, some have even fasted, I say a big thank you,” he said.
Part of the swearing-in ceremony was the investiture of the Grand Commander of the Niger, GCON, on the new CJN.
The award, Nigeria’s second highest national honour, was given by Mr. Osinbajo.
The event was witnessed by Mr. Onnoghen’s family, Senate President Bukola Saraki, former CJN Mohammed Mahmud, Justices of the Supreme Court and other divisions, as well as Ministers.
Onnoghen graduated from the University of Ghana at Legon, Ghana in 1977 and from the Nigerian Law School in Lagos in 1978.
Before joining the Supreme Court, he was a judge in Cross River State and a justice of the Court of Appeal.
Onnoghen was born on the 22 December 1950 at Okurike Town, Biase local government area of Cross Rivers State.