Presidency sends Onnoghen’s name to Senate for confirmation as CJN

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has sent Walter Onnoghe’s name to the Senate for confirmation as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.

If confirmed, Onnoghen would become the first southern head of the apex court in 30 years.

The decision was announced in a tweet from President Muhammadu Buhari’s handle on Wednesday.

The tweet reads “Hon. Justice W.S. Onnoghen’s name has been sent to the Senate for confirmation as the next CJN,”

The announcement came four months after Onnoghen was first recommended to President Buhari as the next head of the country’s judiciary.

The jurist will now await a confirmation by the Senate to assume duty as substantive chief judge.