Judges and staff of the Federal High Court were left stranded as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad failed to swear in Justice John Tsoho as Acting Chief Judge of the court.
Justice Tsoho’s swearing in was earlier fixed for 10 am on Friday, but guests who had gathered in the court hall were left confused as the ceremony did not commence as at the time.
After waiting for one hour, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa rose and walked out of the hall, which also led to other guests including judges of the court to also leave the hall.
The guests were directed to move towards the justices’ chambers for the ceremony. But again security officials said the CJN was not on seat.
There was no announcement about when the ceremony will hold which prompted many people to leave the Supreme Court Complex.
Justice Tsoho was expected to be sworn in to replace the outgoing CJ, Justice Adamu Abdu Kafarati who clocked the statutory age of 65 on Thursday.
Justice Tsoho, born June 24, 1959 is followed by Justice Cecilia Olaterogun, who is also due to retire on November 9, 2019 after clocking 65. The third most senior judge, Justice Binta Nyako was born on May 14, 1959.
Reacting, the Director of Information of the Supreme Court, Dr Festus Akande explained that the delay was as a result of non-communication from the presidency to that effect.
He said the NJC forwarded two names to the President and was yet to receive a feedback from him, adding that the president may even be outside the country.
“Once there is an approval it would be done. You know we have done swearing even on Saturdays,” he said.
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