Justice Walter Onnoghen on Thursday assumed office as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) after being sworn-in by President Muhammadu Buhari following the retirement of Justice Muhammad Muhammud.

Present at the occasion which took place at the Presidential villa were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and many other justices of the Supreme and Appeal courts.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Buhari challenged the judicial arm of government to partner with his administration in bringing Nigeria back into line.

According to him, the judiciary can effectively perform their constitutional responsible by ensuring the success of the ongoing campaign against corruption and making sure that the economy was managed efficiently.

He said: “I congratulate the new acting CJN, who comes at a time that the institution that he is going to head plays the role of one of the constitutional bodies at this trying time of our nation.

“In this room contains the constitutional bodies that are responsible for the bringing Nigeria back into line in terms of security and managing it efficiently while making sure that the economy is resuscitated and that security of doing business at all stages in the country is free and fair.”

He congratulated the immediate past CJN, and urged the acting one to play his constitutional role diligently.

“I am being honoured today as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to say goodbye to the former Chief Justice and to congratulate him for the time he spent in the highly respected position.

“I sincerely congratulate the outgoing CJN and wish him the best of luck in his retired life, and I wish the incoming CJN a successful tour of this vital constitutional body of our country,” he added.

In his remarks, the acting CJN, Justice Onnoghen, reassured that his tenure would witness the fullest cooperation of the third arm of government in the continuation of the war against corruption and misconduct in the judiciary.

According to him, he will continue from where his predecessors stopped.

“I intend to carry on from there, modify certain areas but with the general ultimate gain of having a better judiciary befitting the nation, Nigeria.’’

He thanked the President for the confidence reposed on him, saying “by the grace of God we shall succeed.’’

Justice Walter Onnoghen, was born on 22nd December, 1950 at Okurike Town, Biase Local government Area of Cross River State.

He attended the Presbyterian Primary School, Okurike Town between 1959 and 1966.

He later proceeded to Accra, Ghana to attend Odorgorno Secondary School, Adabraka, between 1967 and 1972 for his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Exams.

He was at Accra Academy, Ghana between 1972 and 1974 for his WAEC (A-Levels) before proceeding to the University of Ghana, Legon, between 1974 and 1977 to obtain his Bachelor of Law Degree (LL.B (Hons)) and graduated with 2nd Class Upper Division and was among the best graduating students.

He attended the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos between 1977 and 1978 for his B.L certificate.

•Adapted from a NAN story.

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