TheCable

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday swore in Mahmud Mohammed as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Earlier on Tuesday, the senate confirmed his nomination.

Mohammed, the 14th indigenous CJN, replaced Aloma Muktar who retired from the bench on Wednesday after attaining the statutory age of 70.

In accordance with tradition, the new CJN was conferred with the second-highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).

The president said that the new chief justice was being sworn in at a critical period when the nation was implementing critical reforms, especially in the judiciary, towards improving on its governance and service delivery.

“It is particularly gratifying to know that he (CJN) has been a critical part of these reforms from the onset; of course, we heard that from his citation. Therefore, he is at a vantage position to superintend over the processes,” Jonathan said.

“I have no doubt that his tenure will witness even greater zeal in reforming and re-positioning the judiciary for the effective and efficient discharge of its constitutional mandate.”

He also noted with satisfaction that Aloma Mukhtar, the outgoing chief justice, made a solemn promise to the nation on assumption of office, to carry out necessary reforms in the judiciary in order to restore public confidence in our courts.

He said he was convinced that she had acquitted herself creditably well in the discharge of that responsibility.

“As Hon. Justice Mohammed braces up to continue from where she left off, he can be assured of our administration’s unwavering support and cooperation,” the president added.

In his response, Mohammed thanked the president, the National Judicial Council and the senate for their roles in his appointment, confirmation and swearing-in.

He promised to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors in office, especially the ongoing review of the rules and guidelines for the institution of disciplinary actions against erring judicial officers.