Victor EzejaPresidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has congratulated the newly sworn in Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
The PDP presidential flag bearer in the 2023 election wished the new CJN a successful administration and promised to contribute in advancing the cause of judicial independence as a way of deepening democracy and development in the country.
According to a statement released from Atiku’s media office in Abuja on Monday, he also commended the action of the ex-CJN Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad for taking the decision to resign from the office.
The statement reads, “The decision of Justice Tanko Muhammad to vacate office as the Chief Justice of Nigeria is commendable.
“I wish him well even as I commend him for his action and service to the nation.
“I wish the newly sworn-in Acting CJN Justice Olukayode Ariowoola success as he steps in to fill the gap and assure him of my commitment to advancing the frontiers of judicial independence and the promotion of separation of powers as the bedrock of deepening democracy and development.”
It would be recalled that Justice Ariwoola was sworn in on Monday afternoon by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday following the resignation of Justice Muhammad.
The ex-CJN who is currently 68, resigned on health ground, 18 months ahead of his official retirement in December 2023 when he will clock 70.
Justice Ariwoola who became the 18th CJN with his swearing-in on Monday, was born on August 22, 1954, and hails from Oyo State in South-West Nigeria.
The 1980 law graduate of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife), was appointed to the bench of the Supreme Court 11 years ago (November 22, 2011).
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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