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Jonathan charges new CJN to rekindle peoples hope in judiciary |
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| Posted on 29 August, 2011 | Back to news home | |
Justice Dahiru Musdapher Acting Chief Juctice of Nigeria |
Jonathan charges new CJN to rekindle peoples hope in judiciary
Mr Musdapher’s position becomes substantive when confirmed by the Senate. During a swearing-in ceremony at the Chambers hall of the Presidential villa, which lasted about 15 minutes, Mr Jonathan also commended the last CJN, Aloysius Katsina-Alu who retired on August 28, 2011 at the mandatory age of 70. Mr Jonathan said the nation owed Mr Katsina-Alu gratitude “for providing effective and courageous leadership to the judiciary arm of government”. “As he retires from active service, it is my hope that he will remain ready and willing to continue to avail the nation of his worthy attributes of courage, diligence, selfless service and uncommon patriotism,” Mr Jonathan said. Mutual respect and productive engagements “On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I wish him retirement life marked with robust health, fulfillment and Almighty God’s enduring protection and provision.” Mr Jonathan said Mr Musdapher was assuming office at a very challenging time in the history of Nigeria, not only for the judiciary but also for the larger society which looks up to the judiciary as an impartial and courageous arbiter. “Given his rich antecedents and compelling experience, I am confident that he will be able to face up to these challenges and rekindle the people’s faith and confidence in the judicial process,” Mr Jonathan said. “On our part, I assure that this administration is totally committed to upholding the tenets of the rule of law and independence of the judiciary. "We shall continue to engage with the judicial and the legislative arms of government on the basis of mutual respect and productive engagements,” he said. “I congratulate Justice Dahiru Musdapher on his deserved appointment as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria and I wish him a most successful and fulfiling tenure.” Justice to all Mr Musdapher, in an interview with journalists at the state house shortly after the event, assured that he would do justice to all for the common good of the country. “The downturn in the society has not left the judiciary alone, no doubt about it...God willing we will do everything to ensure that things are better in the judiciary,” he said. “We will face the challenge squarely and make sure that it becomes one of the best in the world.
Justice Dahiru Musdapher The delays in the dispensation of justice will be reduced to the barest minimum; we’ll make sure that we look at the procedural rules and all the laws and make suggestions for the amendment to the laws governing the procedures.” Mr Dahiru also said his appointment followed constitutional procedure. “The constitution is very clear; as far as I’m concerned it is the prerogative of the President to pick and choose anyone he wants from the justices of the Supreme Court or anywhere else,” he said. Life of a jurist Mr Musdapher was born on July 15, 1942 in Babura Town, Jigawa State. He attended Babura Elementary School from 1950-1953; Birnin Kudu Middle School from 1954-1956; Rumfa College, Kano from 1957-1962 and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria from 1963-1964. He later proceeded to the University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies from 1964-1967 and Inns of Court School of Law (Middle Temple) 1964-1967. He attended the Nigerian Law School from 1967-1968. He was the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kaduna State from 1976-1978; Chief Judge, Kano State Judiciary 1979-1985 and Justice, Court of Appeal 1985-2003. He became a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2003. Yesterday, he was sworn in as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria. He was bestowed with the national honors of the Commander of the Order of the Niger, (CON) and Commander of the Federal Republic, (CFR) in 2003.
NAN/Iheanacho
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