With the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), the coast seems clear for Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad to mount the saddle as CJN.
According to a report by The Nation, President Muhammadu Buhari is likely to accept the NJC’s recommendation that Justice Muhammad should be the new CJN.
But Buhari is said to be weighing whether or not to accept the NJC’s recommendations on the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria ( CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen.
Buhari, who reportedly had a meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the issue before flying out to Jordan yesterday, is also said to be seeking legal opinions on the NJC’s decisions.
The NJC absolved Justice Muhammad of any blame in deferring to the President to be sworn in as the Acting CJN.
He accepted the appointment, having been presented with an ex parte order of the CCT, which led to Justice Onnoghen’s suspension.
The Nation learnt that after receiving the NJC’s recommendations, the President elected to seek legal advice on them.