The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Friday, dismissed a suit challenging the appointment of Justice Tanko Muhammad as substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Justice Iyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court struck out the suit brought by a plaintiff, Omirhobo Foundation, for lack of locus standi to prosecute the case.
NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday forwarded the name of the name of Justice Muhammad, to the Senate for approval as the substantive CJN.
He also sought the approval of the upper legislative chamber to enable him to appoint 15 special advisers. Buhari’s letters were read at a plenary session by the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan. Buhari in his letter explained that the choice of Tanko followed recommendations by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The letter, read by Lawan on the floor of the Senate, cited Section 231(1) and Section 153 of the Constitution as the grounds for the appointments.“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,” the letter reads in part.
Muhammad was sworn in as the Acting CJN on Jan. 25 immediately after the then CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, was suspended by Buhari.
