A source close to the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC) has revealed that the body of judges in the country has recommended a confirmation of the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Muhammad Tanko appointment as the new CJN.
“I can confirm that what the NJC have sent to the President includes a recommendation for Onnoghen’s compulsory retirement and the confirmation of Tanko as Chief Justice,” said a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES.
Other sources who also did not want to be mentioned confirmed the information to this newspaper Friday afternoon.
When contacted, Mr Onnoghen’s spokesperson Awassam Bassey, said he was out of town and could not confirm the details.
“I am not in Abuja and I have been trying to confirm that, but I have not gotten the details yet,” Mr Bassey said.
A lawyer representing Mr Onnoghen, Adegboyega Awomolo, also did not confirm the information when contacted by Newsmen.
Mr Onnoghen is facing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal over allegations of false declaration of assets.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission also accuses the former CJN of receiving illicit payments and bribes from lawyers.
He denies all the allegations.
The News Agency of Nigeria says Mr Onnoghen submitted his resignation letter to the chief of staff to President Buhari.
The Presidency has yet to confirm the receipt of the letter.
NAN said a Presidency source confirmed that President Buhari had, before his departure to Jordan on Wednesday, received the National Judicial Council’s recommendations on the petitions written against Mr Onnoghen and the acting CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad.
The report was submitted to Mr Kyari, who was accompanied by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubalar Malami, at about 2:20 p.m on the day.
