By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA—At the end of its meeting in Abuja, yesterday, the National Judicial Council, NJC, gave its nod to Justice Mahmud Mohammed’s appointment as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN.

A source at the meeting, which was presided over by the outgoing CJN, Justice Mariam Muhktar, said NJC also approved the appointment of the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mr. Sunday Olorundahunsi, as a High Court Judge in Ondo State.

The council also nominated Justice Walter Nkanu-Onnoghen to function as the deputy chairman of NJC.

Statutorily, the CJN chairs the Federal Judicial Service Commission, FJSC, and NJC and Nkanu-Onnoghen is next in command to Mohammed.

FJSC had, last week, recommended Mahmud to take over from Muhktar, who is due to leave active service on November 20, on attaining 70 years retirement age.

NJC had concluded plans to forward Mahmud’s name to President Goodluck Jonathan for confirmation. His appointment will be subject to ratification by the Senate.