NJC extends Onnoghen’s tenure as acting CJN, as FG sends name to Senate

The National Judicial Council (NJC) Wednesday extended the tenure of Justice Walter Onnoghen as acting Chief Justice of Nigeria by three months.

This is just as the presidency confirmed the submission of Onnoghen’s name to the Senate as substantive CJN by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

Meanwhile, a senator said Onnoghen’s confirmation is not an ‘emergency case’ that requires Senate to reconvene.

The presidency yesterday confirmed the transmission of Onnoghen’s name to the Senate for confirmation by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

The senator however said the process of Onnoghen’s confirmation has begun with the transmission of the request by the presidency.

A source close to Senate President Bukola Saraki who confirmed the receipt of the letter said it would be read on the floor of the Senate on February 21.

The Senate had on January 26th suspended plenary to enable Ministry, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) defend the 2017 budget.

“It is a fact that the letter has been transmitted and received by the senate president. There is nothing we can do until on 21st when we will resume plenary,” he said.

He added that the February 10th deadline was about nomination and not confirmation.

Contacted around 5.30pm, the spokesperson of the Senate, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi said he was on his way to meet the Senate President on the issue.

When our correspondent called his mobile phone by 7.38pm, he did not pick his call.