The Nigerian Senate yesterday confirmed Justice Muhammad Tanko as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Meanwhile the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has congratulated the newly confirmed CJN. The Islamic human rights advocacy group described his confirmation as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. This was contained in a terse statement circulated on Friday, 19th July, 2019 by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
“We congratulate Justice Muhammad Tanko on his confirmation as the substantive CJN. We also felicitate with other nominees of President Muhammadu Buhari who were confirmed yesterday. It is victory for democracy and the rule of law. Light has finally overwhelmed darkness. This is the people’s Senate.
“The 9th Senate deserves accolades for starting on a positive note. This is quite promising. Unlike the heavily sarakitised 8th Senate which was confrontational, diversionary, wasteful and unpatriotic, we can see the signs of a red chamber ready for real business. True to the principle of separation of power, we do not expect the 9th Senate to be a rubber stamp but at least it is not likely to become a bottle-neck for governance.
“We charge the current Senate to expedite action on the confirmation of other nominees, especially the acting head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu who was denied confirmation by the 8th Senate throughout its tortuous duration.
“As we draw the curtain, we note that the newly confirmed CJN told Senate yesterday that there is corruption in the judiciary. We therefore invite him to set the machinery in motion to carry out a thorough reform of the Nigerian judicial system without fear or favour.”
Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)