Moments after he was sworn-in as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad, last week, promised that the judiciary would assist the executive in its on-going fight against corruption nationwide. In this report, KEHINDE OSASONA chronicles his ascendancy and expectations of Nigerians from his administration.
The new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, last week, moments after his swearing-in as the 18th CJN, assured that the judiciary would assist the executive arm of government in its on-going fight against corruption in the country.
Justice Muhammad at the occasion also said while it is not in doubt that the nation’s judiciary is presently one of the best in Africa, he said his intention is to raise the bar to make it one of the best in the whole world.
He however expressed worry over the trend of making unfounded allegations against judicial officers. He advised that whoever must make allegation during his tenure must be ready to substantiate it when called upon to so do
His words: “We will support the government in corruption via speedy and quality interpretation of the law
“For pending cases, we will speed up hearing so that if somebody is required to go to jail, he will go jail and that is the end of it.
“We would ensure that all these transcend down to the lower rungs of the judiciary so that even the Area Courts, magistrate Courts will see what we do and follow our examples
He continued, “I’m telling you that the judiciary under my watch, by God’s grace, would experience radical but positive changes. All these issues of corruption will be dealt with.
“But remember, dont just make a hollow allegation of corruption like the ones we have heard. When you are invited, you must be ready to substantiate it.
The journey to stardom
Justice Muhammad emergence as CJN was tortuous.
He was sworn in as the Acting CJN early this year immediately after the then CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen was suspended by President Buhari over his alleged failure to declare his assets and operation of foreign accounts.
Some lawyers were however not happy with him.
For instance, Lagos human rights activist, Chief Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) authored a petition against Justice Muhammad for making himself available at the Aso Villa for swearing in when the National Judicial Council never forwarded his name to Buhari for the appointment.
He had contended that Justice Muhammad misconducted himself and ought to be sanctioned.
The NJC consequently set up a panel to try Justice Muhammad.
Justice Onnoghen (now retired) also faced a different panel over allegations of non-declaration of assets and illegal maintenance of foreign accounts.
During his trial session, Justice Muhammad shed light on what actually transpired on the day of his swearing-in and why he allowed oath of office to be administered on him and was given a clean bill of health.
Onnoghen though defended himself too, he was recommended for retirement while he was later found guilty by the Code of Conduct Tribunal and was forced to retire from office.
Meanwhile after the expiration of his first three months in acting capacity, the President had in April requested and obtained the NJC’s consent to extend Muhammad’s tenure by three months which he got.
However, before the expiration of the fresh three month tenure, the National Judicial Council finally recommended to President Buhari the appointment of Justice Muhammad as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Sequel to the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommendation, President Buhari had last week forwarded to the Senate, a letter requesting for the confirmation of Justice Tanko as substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The President in the letter of request said the nomination was sequel to recommendation made to that effect by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan who thereafter read the letter from Buhari at the plenary sought the cooperation of the Senate for Muhammad’s confirmation in line with Section 231 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Lawan also made reference to the section of the constitution which empowers the National Judicial Council (NJC) to have made such recommendations and his appointment was confirmed.
Setting agenda for CJN
As soon as his appointment was confirmed, some lawyers congratulated him even as they reminded him that he has a lot of work to do.
According to former First Assistant Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association, Olatunji Salawu, the CJN must first and foremost restore the confidence of stakeholders and every other persons in the judiciary.
He said, “As a symbol, Muhammad should use his good office to bring back the glory of the judiciary as an incorruptible institution that it used to be.
“Being a beneficiary of the unfortunate incident, Muhammad is expected to do everything possible to re-establish the confidence of all and sundry in the judiciary,” he said.
Also, the secretary to Gwagwalada branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abdulahi Awwal Muhammad urged the CJN to strive to correct the impression that common man cannot get justice in the court of law.
“I think that should be tackled frontally. When a poor man goes to court, let him get justice so that it won’t be that the court is made for the rich alone.
Muhammed advised further that the new CJN should support and sustain Buhari’s administration non-tolerance for corruption in the country.
More importantly, he added: “The new CJN should leave a legacy in such a way that the apex court can begin to give landmark judgment in the country.
His early years
Hon. Justice I. T. Muhammad, CFR, JSC was born on the 31st of December 1953. He hails from Doguwa, Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
He attended Giade Primary School from 1961 to 1968. He proceeded to Government Secondary School, Azare from 1969 to 1973. His Lordship then proceeded to Abdullahi Bayero University College, Kano for his IJMB from 1975 to 1976.
After a successful completion of his course and in furtherance of his educational career, His Lordship got admission to read Law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria from 1976 to 1980. He attended Nigerian Law School from 1980 to 1981.
In furtherance of his educational career, His Lordship went back to the prestigious ABU, Zaria for his Masters Degree in Law (LLM) on Part Time basis, from 1982 to 1984.
In order to update himself in the field of Law, he went back to ABU, Zaria between 1987 and 1998 during which he obtained his Doctorate Degree (PHD) in Law, also on part time basis.
Law career
Tanko began his career in 1982, after he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981, the same year he graduated from the Nigerian Law School.
In 1989, he was appointed as Chief Magistrate of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, a position he held until 1991 when he became a Judge at the Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal.
He served in that capacity for two years before he was appointed to the bench of the Nigerian Courts of Appeal as Justice in 1993. He held this position for thirteen years before he was appointed to the bench of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2006 but was sworn in on January 7, 2007.
Muhammed was appointed as Magistrate Grade II in 1982 to 1984 with Bauchi State Judiciary. He rose to Senior Magistrate Grade II from 1984 to 1986. His Lordship was appointed as the Provost, College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Bauchi from 1986 to 1989.
He was appointed Chief Magistrate/Deputy Chief Registrar, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja from 1990 to 1991. From 1991 to 1993, he served as a Kadi (Judge) of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Bauchi State. His Lordship was elevated to the position of Justice of the Court of Appeal from 1993 to 2006.
Justice Muhammad was elevated to the position of Justice of the Court of Appeal from 1993 to 2006. His Lordship was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the year 2006 and was sworn in on the 8th of January 2007, the appointment he holds till date.
