The new Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN) Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has promised a major reform at nation’s apex court.
Justice Ariwoola who disclosed this after he was sworn in as the substantive CJN of Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari, at the last week Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja also appealed to Nigerian politicians to allow judiciary operate independently.
Justice Ariwoola gave the appeal to the politicians ahead of 2023 general election slated for February/March next year.
At a brief swearing-in ceremony at the Council chamber, Buhari urged the new CJN to perform his duty without fear or favour counting on him to his long years of experience to bear in the administration of Justice in Nigeria.
The event , was witnessed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo,SAN, as well as Governors Seyi Makinde(Oyo) and Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo).
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.
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 on the appointment of Justice Ariwoola who hailed from Oyo State where he started his judiciary career at the Ibadan judiciary división.
The Senate had screened and approved the nomination of Justice Ariwoola by President Buhari before he was sworn-in.