SENATE CONFIRMS WALTER ONNOGHEN AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate today confirmed Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN. Onnoghen who is from Cross Rivers State was very impressive during the confirmation hearing.

“We are enlightened by some of the views presented today,” said Senate President Bukola Saraki, who commended his colleagues for exhibiting professionalism during the session.

Mr. Onnoghen’s name was forwarded to the Senate on February 8 for confirmation as a substantive CJN by acting President Yemi Osinbajo, following his recommendation by the National Judicial Council.

He had been leading the country’s judiciary in acting capacity since November 10 when he was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, following the retirement of Mahmud Mohammed.

Mr. Onnoghen, 67, was born in Kruiku Town, Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.
He bagged his Law degree from the University of Ghana, Legon, in 1977 before his BL certificate at the Nigerian Law School in 1978.

He started his career as a Pupil State Counsel in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, in 1979, after which he ventured into private practice.




In 1989, he returned to public service as judge in the High Court of his native Cross River State.
He joined the federal judicial service in 1998 as Justice of the Court Appeal, a position he held until 2005 when he was elevated to the Supreme Court. He is the first CJN from Southern Nigeria in 30 years.