President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday urged the Senate to confirm Justice Olukayode Ariwoola for appointment as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Buhari’s letter of request was read by Senate President Ahmad Lawan on the resumption of plenary.

The President’s letter dated 25th July, 2022 reads: “Pursuant to Section 231(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“While I hope that the submission will be considered in the usual expeditious manner, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Justice Ariwoola took over the position on an acting capacity on June 27 following the resignation of Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad on health grounds.

Before Justice Tanko Muhammad’s resignation, 14 Justices of the Supreme Court had petitioned him alleging poor welfare and outright mismanagement of the funds of the apex court.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters is probing the ex-CJN to determine the veracity or otherwise of allegations contained in the petition.