
Report has it that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, has tendered his resignation yesterday.
Although there is no official statement to back up the claim, it was gathered that Justice Muhammad is seriously ill.
His resignation comes amidst displeasure by justices and other stakeholders at the apex over the deteriorating conditions of the court.
The Justices of the apex court, in a joint petition, accused the Bauchi State-born CJN of poor welfare, among other ill-treatment being meted out to them. This is an unprecedented development in Nigeria’s judicial history.
In the leaked petition, the 14 justices accused the CJN of abandoning his responsibilities and diverting funds meant for the running of the Supreme Court.
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But the CJN in a statement by his aide, titled, ‘Re: State Of Affairs In The Supreme Court And Demand By Justices Of The Supreme Court’, denied the allegations.
Following his resignation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola will be the next acting Chief Justice of Nigeria
Justice Ariwoola studied law at the University of Ife.
Meanwhile, training of Judges by the NJI are usually declared open by the CJN or any of his representatives but none of that happened.
The Administrator of the Institute, Justice Shehu Garba opened the session.