What Atiku said about Justice Tanko's resignation as CJN

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the sudden resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Recall, MyNigeria had reported that Justice Tanko resigned from his position citing ill health. He has since been replaced by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, 67, who is the second most senior justice of the Supreme Court.

Using his social media handles, the former vice president thanked Justice Tanko to the country while applauding his decision to step down.

He also wished the acting CJN, Justice Olukayode success in his new office.

Atiku wrote, “The decision of Justice Tanko Muhammad to vacate office as the Chief Justice of Nigeria is commendable. I wish him well, even as I commend him for his action and service to the nation.

“I wish the newly sworn-in Acting CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariowoola, success as he steps in to fill the gap and assure him of my commitment to advancing the frontiers of judicial independence and the promotion of separation of powers as the bedrock of deepening democracy and development”.

Meanwhile, President Buhari conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the now immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Tanko.

The award is the second-highest national honour that can be bestowed on any Nigerian national.

The decision of Justice Tanko Muhammad to vacate office as the Chief Justice of Nigeria is commendable. I wish him well, even as I commend him for his action and service to the nation.
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) June 27, 2022