President Muhammadu Buhari says history will be kind to Justice Tanko Muhammed for his modest contributions to Nigeria’s Judiciary, the strengthening of democracy and national development.
The president stated this while swearing in Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as acting Chief Justice of Nigeria in the State House, Abuja, on Monday.
Buhari added that he was constrained to accept the resignation of Justice Muhammad Tanko on health grounds
He said: “Ordinarily, he (Tanko) was scheduled to retire from the Supreme Court on the last day of 2023.
“Unfortunately, as no man is infallible, ill-health has cut short Chief Justice Tanko’s leadership of the Nigerian Judiciary at this time.
“I am therefore constrained to accept his retirement, albeit with mixed-feelings. Much as one may wish that the Chief Justice of Nigeria Muhammed Tanko is able to fully serve his term in office, it presupposes that he is able to perform the functions of the Office without let, hindrance or any form of disability.
“The instant resignation of Justice Tanko is however envisaged under Section 231(4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended which contain provisions relating to vacancy and the occupant of the Office of Chief Justice of Nigeria being unable to perform the functions of the Office for any reason.’’
The president added that Tanko’s era witnessed several landmark, jurisprudential and policy decisions by the Supreme Court, and by extension other Courts established by the Constitution.
“CJN Tanko dealt firmly with the issue of reckless and indiscriminate grant of ex-parte Orders that was assuming serious dimensions.
“History will be kind to Justice Tanko Muhammed for his modest contributions to Nigeria’s Judiciary, the strengthening of our democracy and national development,’’ he said.
The president used the opportunity to call on the Judiciary not do anything to fail the ordinary people of Nigeria which may make them lose confidence in the justice system in the country.
NAN
