Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday morning swore in Justice Walter Onnoghen as 17th Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The inauguration took place at 9:00am inside the Council Chambers of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He was also decorated with the title of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) by the acting president.
Justice Onnoghen’s nomination was last week confirmed by the Senate.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who is on an extended vacation in the United Kingdom, had last November inaugurated Onnoghen as acting CJN sequel to the retirement of Justice Mahmud Mohammed.
The acting president had on February 7 forwarded Onnoghen’s nomination to the Senate.
Speaking after his inauguration, Onnoghen thanked Buhari and the entire country for the opportunity.
He stressed the need for the independence of judiciary and strict adherence to the rule of law.
In his remarks, Osinbajo noted that Onnoghen was assuming office at a very crucial time in the nation’s history.
Osinbajo said he called Buhari yesterday and that the president asked him to convey his congratulations and goodwill message to the new CJN.