President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn in Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the Chief Justice of Nigeria at the council chamber of the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The swearing-in of Mr Ariwoola followed his confirmation by the Senate on September 21, three months after his appointment by the president.

Mr Ariwoola took the judicial oath of office in a brief ceremony shortly before the commencement of the weekly virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by the president.

The event was witnessed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, some cabinet ministers, other justices of the Supreme Court, and the governors of Oyo and Ondo, Seyi Makinde and Rotimi Akeredolu, respectively.

Mr Ariwoola was appointed as acting CJN on June 27, following the resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad amid misconduct and financial scandals.

The new CJN was appointed a justice of the Supreme Court on November 22, 2011, by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

He is an indigene of Iseyin in Oyo.

After the swearing-in, the CJN appealed to politicians in the country to allow the judiciary to function properly as the 2023 elections approach while promising reforms at the apex court.

Mr Makinde expressed gratitude to the president on behalf of the people and Oyo government.

Meanwhile, the council observed a minute’s silence in honour of former minister for special duties and chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Vincent Ogbulafor, who died recently. 

(NAN)