It was an epoch making event on Wednesday, March 1,2017, at the Red Chambers of the National Assembly when the Senate unanimously confirmed His Lordship, Honourable Justice Walter Onnoghen, as the 15th substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Ag. President Yemi Osinbajo decorating Justice Walter Onnonghen with the National Honour of the Grand Commander of the Niger during his oath-taking ceremony as the CJN at the Aso Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

The Upper Legislative House’s endorsement followed an unprecedented over three months of suspense during which  Onnoghen’s ascension to the office of CJN hung in the balance. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo,on February 8,2017, same day the National Judicial Council(NJC) re-recommended Onnoghen sent his name to the Senate in conformity with the provision of Section 321(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria(as amended).

Beyond the euphoria of his confirmation, Onnoghen has an enormous task ahead of him as he enunciated before the Senate during the 76-minute screening session and his other reform agenda. Independence of the Judiciary, corruption among judicial officers, speedy dispensation of justice, improved welfare of judicial officers and appointment of senior lawyers as Justices of the Supreme Court are some of the top priority issues the new CJN has to grapple with as he settles down to office.

Under him, asserting the independence of the judiciary is very crucial , especially at this period in the nation’s democracy. There is a general  perception that the Judiciary has been cowed and intimidated by the executive arm of government. This comes against the background of the recent Department of State Services (DSS) arrest   of some judges, including a Supreme Court Justice over corruption allegations. This perception must change. Justice Onnoghen must cleanse the fabled augean stable and restore public confidence in the hallowed sanctuary of justice, the last hope of the people. Nigerians look forward to a courageous judiciary unencumbered by external influence while delivering judgment, even when it is against the government. We hold the CJN to his words that no external influence can pocket the institution under his watch.

The CJN should ensure that cases are expeditiously dispensed in all the courts , including election petitions. All pending election petitions across the country must be resolved in a timely manner as he promised the Senate; same for corruption cases. The Judiciary under Onnoghen should not be an impediment to the government’s anti-corruption crusade. He should sustain the stance against prolonged and unnecessary adjournments of cases.

Among other reforms in the administration of justice system, we call on the CJN to pay prompt attention to the welfare of judicial officers. He should do everything within his power to ensure that judges’ salaries and other entitlements are not delayed to avoid exposing them to temptation.