The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has charged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen, on the protection of the rule of and independence of the judiciary.
He gave the charge on Tuesday in his congratulatory message to the CJN following his successful confirmation by the Senate and swearing-in by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
Ekweremadu, who described Hon. Justice Onnoghen as God-sent at this point in the history of the nation’s democracy, noted that the Hon. CJN acquitted himself most creditably throughout his career, especially the period he functioned as the Acting CJN and during his confirmation hearing at the Senate.
He said: “I congratulate you on this milestone of reaching the peak of your career. I commend your demonstration of candour, deep belief in the principle of separation of powers and, importantly, the independence of the judiciary throughout your career and during your confirmation hearing on the floor the Senate.
“You have left no one in doubt of your capacity in terms of ideas and the courage to reform and reposition the judiciary as well as defend its independence and the rule of law. Therefore, I can only enjoin Your Lordship to live up to your assurances and pedigree in order to preserve and nurture nation’s democracy”.
Senator Ekweremadu wished the CJN a successful and memorable tenure.
