BY DANIEL IDONOR
ABUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, swore in the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Dahiru Musdapher, with a charge to ensure the restoration of the confidence of Nigerians in the judiciary.

The President also declared his commitment to the independence of the judiciary, with a vow that his administration would not interfere in its operations, as enshrined in the principle of separation of powers.

Musdapher’s position becomes substantive when confirmed by the Senate.

Speaking moments after the swearing in which lasted 15 minutes at the State House, the President expressed confidence that Musdapher would rekindle faith in the nation’s judiciary even as he commended the outgone CJN, Justice Alloysius Katsina-Alu, for his courage and patriotism while he held forte.

Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Dahiru Musdapher

Jonathan also pledged that the executive would continue to positively engage the Judiciary and Legislature in efforts to bring development to the country.

He said the nation owed debt of gratitude to Justice Alloysus Katsina-Alu (rtd), who attained the mandatory age of 70 last Sunday “for providing effective and courageous leadership to the judiciary arm of government at the critical period in our nation’s political developmental history.”

The president said: “As he retires from active service, it is my hope that he will remain ready and willing to continue to avail the nation of his worthy attributes of courage, diligence, selfless service and common patriotism. On behalf of government and people of Nigeria, I wish him retirement life marked with robust health, fulfillment and Almighty God’s enduring protection and provision.”

President Jonathan noted that Justice Musdapher was assuming office at a very challenging time not only for the judiciary but for the larger society which looks up to the judiciary arm of government as an impartial and courageous arbiter.

Fielding questions from State House correspondents after the event, Justice Musdapher assured that he would do justice to all for the common good of the country.

He said: “The down turn in the society has not left the judiciary alone, no doubt about it. God willing, we will do everything to ensure that things are better in the judiciary.”

“The delays in the dispensation of justice will be reduced to the barest minimum. We’ll make sure that we look at the procedural rules and all the laws and make suggestions for the amendment to the laws governing the procedures.”

Asked to comment on his appointment, Musdapher, said “I don’t know it is the prerogative of the President. The constitution is very clear as far as I’m concerned it is the prerogative of the President to pick and choose anyone he wants from the judges of the Supreme court or anywhere else”.

Born on 15th July1942 in Babura Town, Jigawa State, Musdapher attended Babura Elementary School 1950-53 Birnin Kudu Middle School 1954-56 Rumfa College, Kano 1957-62 Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 1963-64 University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies 1964-67 Inns of Court School of Law (Middle Temple) 1964-67 Nigerian Law School 1967-68

His employment records include, Private Legal Practice 1968-76, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kaduna State 1976-78, Judge High Court of Kano State 1979 Chief Judge, Kano State Judiciary 1979-85 Justice, Court of Appeal 1985-2003 Justice, Supreme Court of Nigeria 2003 until yesterday when he was sworn in as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

He was bestowed with the national honours of the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, 2003 and Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, 2009.

He is also a member of  Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Chairman Body of Benchers, Vice Chairman National Judicial Council, member World Jurist Association and Chairman Nigeria Institute Advance Legal Studies, among others.