President Jonathan swears in new CJN

Remarks by His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
On the
Occasion of the Swearing-in Ceremony of the Chief Justice of Nigeria
Thursday, 20th November 2014

PROTOCOL
Today marks another epoch making event in the annals of Nigeria's legal history with the formal Swearing-in of Honourable Justice Mahmud Mohammed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. I congratulate his Lordship on this well-deserved appointment, which is a befitting recognition of your worthy contribution and commitment in the service of humanity and the nation.

Honourable Justice Mahmud Mohammed is assuming office at a time when the nation, including the Judiciary, is implementing institutional reforms in order to improve on governance and service delivery.
It is particularly gratifying to note that he has been a critical part of these reforms from the onset, and therefore at a vantage position to superintend over the process. I have no doubt that his tenure will witness even greater zeal in reforming and repositioning the judiciary for the effective and efficient discharge of its constitutional mandate.

I note with satisfaction that the out-going Chief Justice, Honourable Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who retired today upon the attainment of the mandatory retirement age of 70 years, made a solemn promise to the nation on assumption of office to carry out necessary reforms in the judiciary in order to restore public confidence in our Courts. I am convinced that she has acquitted herself creditably well in the discharge of that responsibility.
As Honourable Justice Mahmud Mohammed braces up to continue from where she left off, he can be assured of our Administration's unwavering support and cooperation.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Nigeria is on the threshold of another general election when politicians and political parties jostle for power. In the midst of these contestations, Nigerians look up to the judiciary as impartial arbiters in the polity.

The role of the judiciary in resolving political disputes in the country has been commendable. This has, over the years, engendered public confidence thereby discouraging resort to self-help with all its attendant negative consequences. I therefore urge our new Chief Justice to continue to steer the judiciary on the path of forthrightness required to entrench democratic consolidation.

The nation is also grappling with security challenges occasioned by terrorists and insurgents in parts of the country. While every effort is being made to tackle these challenges, the need for the three arms of government to work in the spirit of constructive and productive engagement cannot be overemphasised. I am confident that the judiciary will continue to rise up to the challenge and provide the much-needed support to enable us overcome these challenges.

Let me assure the Chief Justice of Nigeria of my administration's steadfast commitment to uphold the independence of the judiciary, respect for the rule of law and the fostering of a harmonious relationship with the judiciary. Given your track record and rich experience, I have no doubt that you will bring your wealth of experience to bear on the difficult task of administering the Judiciary.

My Lords, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to use this occasion to express our profound gratitude to Honourable Justice Aloma Mukhtar for her invaluable service to our nation.  In addition to the historic feat of being Nigeria's first female Chief Justice, she has established her place in the honour roll of great drivers of Nigeria's growth and development through her committed efforts at repositioning the Judiciary.

As she retires, it is my hope that she will remain ready and willing to continue to avail the nation of her worthy attributes of courage, diligence, and selfless service.

While congratulating Honourable Justice Mahmud Mohammed as the 14th indigenous Chief Justice of Nigeria, it is my honour and privilege to confer on him the National Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
I thank you for your attention.