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President Muhammadu Buhari has on Wednesday, sworn in Justice Ariwoola Olukayode as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Council Chambers in Abuja, shortly before the kick-off of this week’s Federal Executive Council meeting, and had Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Governors Seyi Makinde and Rotimi Akeredolu of Oyo and Ondo States respectively in attendance.
Several dignitaries present to witness the ceremony, included other Justices of the Supreme Court; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan; the President’s Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari and the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.).
Others were ministers who were attending the weekly Council meeting, Chris Ngige (Labour and Employment); Abubakar Malami (Attorney-General and Justice); Hadi Sirika (Aviation); Olorunnimbe Mamora (Science, Technology and Innovation); Niyi Adebayo (Industry, Trade and Investment); Babatunde Fashola (Works and Housing); Abubakar Aliyu, amongst others.
Before the start of the meeting, the Council observed a minute silence in honour of former Minister for Special Duties and Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Vincent Ogbulafor, who passed away recently.
After he was sworn in by President Buhari, Justice Ariwoola while addressing members of the press, advised politicians contending for various electoral offices in the forthcoming 2023 general elections to allow the judiciary to function properly. He also promised to pursue reforms at the apex court across several lines such as speed of justice delivery and welfare of judicial officers.
We recall thatJustice Ariwoola was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court on November 22, 2011, by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Justices Ariwoola and Justice Mohammed received the second highest national honour –the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).