Justice Walter Onnoghen has been sworn in as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN.
The swearing in ceremony took place on Tuesday at the council chambers of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo administered the oath of office after which he also conferred on the CJN the award of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON, which is the second highest honour in Nigeria.
Speaking during the event, the new CJN pledged total loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while promising to abide by his oath of office.
He appreciated all Nigerians, including those who prayed and “even fasted” in order to see that his appointment as CJN was concretised.
Onnoghen once again reiterated that the key to achieving good governance in Nigeria lies in respect for the rule of law.
The swearing in ceremony was witnessed by the members of the Onnoghen family, Senate President Bukola Saraki, former CJN Mahmud Mohammed,Justices of the Supreme Court and other divisions, and members of the Federal Executive Council, FEC.
Onnoghen, had been in acting capacity since the retirement of former CJN, Mahmud Mohammed in November 2016.
He was eventually confirmed by the Senate last week Wednesday after the acting President forwarded his name to the lawmakers for confirmation, bringing to an end the controversy that had followed President Buhari’s initial announcement of Onnoghen as acting CJN.
The new CJN hails from Cross Rivers State and is the first person from southern Nigeria to reach the exalted post since the last 30 years.He graduated from the University of Ghana, Legon, in 1977 and from the Nigerian Law School in Lagos in 1978.
He then joined the Cross River judiciary from where he rose to be appointed a Supreme Court Justice in 2005.