AS earlier suggested and predicted that the Chief Justice of the Federation of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, might get tenure extension from the National Judiciary Council (NJC) to avoid any complications, and to allow the National Assembly of Nigeria to deliberate properly without pressure on his confirmation as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria.
NJC which he heads has extended his tenure in an emergency meeting of the council in Abuja today as acting chief justice to prevent any complications which may arise by the time his first three months as acting chief justice expires on the 10th of February 2017.
The extension letter sent to the Presidency was reportedly signed by Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad according to FinancialWatch.
According to section 231(5) of the 1999 constitution, as amended, “Except on the recommendation of the NJC”, Onnoghen’s appointment by President Buhari “shall cease to have effect after the expiration of three months from the date of such appointment, and the President shall not re-appoint a person whose appointment has elapsed.”
