Buhari Swears Ariwoola In As Substantive CJN, Presides Over FEC Meeting

President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn in Justice Ariwoola Olukayode as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Justice Ariwoola took the judicial oath of office on Wednesday in a brief ceremony at the Council Chambers in Abuja before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by the President.

The ceremony was witnessed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, ministers, other justices of the Supreme Court, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and his Ondo State counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu.

Justice Ariwoola was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court on November 22, 2011, by President Goodluck Jonathan.

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Speaking to journalists after his swearing-in ceremony, Justice Ariwoola appealed to politicians to allow the judiciary function properly as the 2023 elections approach while promising reforms at the apex court.

Makinde expressed gratitude on behalf of the people and government of Oyo State to the President.

The Council observed a minute silence in honour of former Minister for Special Duties and Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, who died recently.

Following the resignation of the outgone CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad, on health grounds, Justice Ariwoola took over in an acting capacity.

The swearing-in comes a day after President Buhari conferred national honours to 449 Nigerians and friends of Nigeria at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Justices Ariwoola and Justice Mohammed received the second highest national honour –the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).

Also seated as witnesses to the ceremony were other Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan; Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Bambari and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd).

Others were Ministers attending the week’s Council meeting, including Hadi Sirika (Aviation); Olorunnimbe Mamora (Science, Technology and Innovation); Chris Ngige (Labour and Employment); Abubakar Malami (Attorney-General and Justice); Niyi Adebayo (Industry, Trade and Investment); Babatunde Fashola (Works and Housing); Abubakar Aliyu, and others.