President Muhammadu Buhari, has formally communicated with the Senate to confirm the nomination of Mohammed Tanko as the substantive CJN.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, read President Buhari’s letter of the nomination of Justice Tanko in plenary on Thursday.

Part of Buhari’s letter as read by the Senate President said: “I have the honour to forward the nomination of honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed for confirmation as Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“It is my hope that this request will receive the usual expeditious cooperation of the distinguished Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

This is coming about six months after Justice Tanko was appointed CJN in an acting capacity by Buhari.

Tanko was appointed Acting CJN on January 25, 2019 following the suspension of erstwhile CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

Justice Tanko, was until his appointment as acting CJN, the second most ranking Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Buhari who relied on Section 231, Subsection 1&2 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, said sought the confirmation of Justice Tanko as CJN in line with the provisions of the law.

According to Section 231, Subsection 1&2 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, “The appointment of a person to the office of Chief Justice of Nigeria shall be made by the President on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council subject to confirmation of such appointment by the Senate.

“The appointment of a person to the office of a Justice of the Supreme Court shall be made by the President on the National Judicial Council subject to confirmation of such appointment by the Senate.”

The Senate President had on Wednesday, assured Nigerians that the list of ministerial nominees would be submitted by President Buhari before the end of the week.