Acting CJN swears in election tribunal members

Ibrahim Muhammad, acting chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), has sworn in 250 members of the 2019 election petition tribunal.

This is his first official assignment since he took over from Walter Onnoghen who was suspended over allegations of false declaration of assets.

Muhammad told members of the panel to discharge their duties diligently.

“I am delighted to address you all on thid occasion of the swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed Chairmen and members of Election Petition Tribunals for the 2019 General Elections that is around the corner,” he said.

“As your lordships take the oath of office as chairmen and members of the Election Petition Tribunals, let me remind you that this oath is a solemn appeal to Almighty God. Therefore, it is God Almighty that you will be ultimately responsible to.

“Therefore, it is from this oath that your duties and responsibilities as chairmen and members of the Election Petition Tribunals in your various places of assignment spring forth and has a binding effect.

“This is an ethical undertaking to justice as well as upholding the rule of law in our courts.

“As such, I implore you to discharge your onerous duty diligently and with the fear of God Almighty.’’

Onnoghen was preparing to preside over the occasion when President Muhammadu Buhari fired him.

While reacting to a report that the CJN had resigned, Awwam Bassey, Onnoghen’s media aide, had said his principal would swear in the election tribunal panel.

“There is absolutely no truth in the rumours making the round that the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, His Lordship Hon. Mr. Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, GCON, has resigned his office. It is fake news! The Hon CJN was in the office all through yesterday (Thursday) and sat in court,” Bassey had said in a statement.

“As part of his duties, the Hon CJN will be swearing in members of the 2019 national assembly, governorship and state assembly election petition tribunals tomorrow (Saturday 26th January 2019).”