IT is official: Alooma Mariam Mukhtar is the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, following her inauguration ceremony on Monday morning at the State House in Abuja, presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Chief Justice Mukhtar’s ascension follows her recent nomination by President Jonathan and the subsequent ratification of her appointment by the National Assembly. Mrs. Mukhtar succeeds Justice Dahiru Musdapher, who retired on Sunday after attaining the stipulated retirement age of 70 as chief justice.
Speaking at the chief justice’s inaugural on Monday, President Jonathan said he is confident that Mrs. Muhktar will reform and reposition the judiciary to efficiently carry out its mandate as specified by federal constitution.
The president said that Justice Mukhtar is presiding over the judiciary at a time of profound challenges that demand united response but expressed confident that the challenges can be confronted head on.
Mr. Jonathan noted security challenges and the terrorism as part of those challenges, and called on the three arms of government to work together to overcome the threats.
He asked the new chief justice to provide the necessary support to confront corruption, pointing out that complaints about lengthy trials, especially in cases of corruption, terrorism and other matters of serious public concern, should be considered to avoid the delay in justice for all.