President Goodluck Jonathan Wednesday wrote to the Senate, seeking approval for the confirmation of Justice Mahmud Mohammed as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
If confirmed, Justice Mohammed will replace the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, who is billed to retire on November 20, having attained the mandatory age of 70.
In a letter read by Senate President David Mark at plenary, President Jonathan said Mohammed’s appointment was in compliance with Section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which he said gave him the powers to appoint CJN acting on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Therefore, he enjoined the Senate to treat the appointment with urgency.
“In conformity with Section 231 sub-section (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, which gives the president powers to appoint a Chief Justice of Nigeria acting on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and subject to confirmation of the appointment of the Senate, l have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Mahmud Mohammed, CFR for confirmation as Chief Justice of Nigeria. It is my hope that this request will receive the usual expeditious attention of the Distinguished Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
