Report from the National Assembly indicates that President Muhammadu Buhari has sent the name of Mohammed Tanko to Nigeria’s Upper Legislative Chamber for confirmation as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Senate President Ahmed Lawan during a plenary Thursday, July 11, 2019, read the letter to that effect.

Recalled that Tanko was appointed as an Acting CJN after the suspension of the former CJN Walter Onnoghen which generated lots of controversies within and outside Nigeria.

At the time of filing this report, Senator Lawan was still presiding at the Red Chamber.

In April, a group of lawyers in Bauchi state ‘Body of Bauchi Lawyers of Conscience (BOBOLAC) had called on Buhari to confirm Tanko as the substantive CJN.

The group urged the National Judicial Council and other relevant authorities to confirm him Tanko.

Buhari’s letter read, “In accordance with Section 231 (1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which gives the president the power to appoint a Chief Justice of Nigeria on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and subject to the confirmation of the appointment by the Senate.

“I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed for confirmation as Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“It is my hope that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the distinguished Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Please accept, Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

The decision of the president followed the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) Wednesday that Tanko should be appointed as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.