Onnoghen’s inauguration as substantive CJN followed his confirmation by the Senate last week after he fielded questions from Senators during a hearing session by a committee of the whole house.
His name was forwarded to the National Assembly on February 8, 2017 for confirmation by the acting president, after heading the country’s judiciary in acting capacity for over three months, following his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Urging the CJN to restore public confidence in the judiciary, Osinbajo said, “My Lord, you have assumed this position at a crucial time in the history of our nation. It is a time when all arms of government have suffered the loss of confidence of the people of this nation and it is so also with the judiciary.
“It is a time when our Lords and Justices of our courts are called upon to resuscitate that confidence that the people of this nation want to have in the institutions of government and indeed in the judiciary. I pray that your tenure will revive and sustain that confidence.”
The acting president did not just swear in Onnoghen without reminding him of how crucial and sensitive the revered office of the CJN was.
He observed that the responsibility of the CJN to dispense fairness, justice and truth was simply awesome and next to the powers of God Almighty, and urged him to exhibit a much higher moral and ethical standard.
“From this day March 7th, 2017, Justice Onnoghen becomes the custodian and protector of the highest duties that society owes its people – fairness, Justice and truth. The responsibility is an awesome one.
“It is the closest that man serves as the Almighty God, having powers of life, livelihoods and futures, having power to give and indeed to take away, power and authority to supervise all men and women to whom our law and constitution have given the position of judgeship. Since we do not force men and women to be judges, they voluntarily take on the position of high priests in the temple of Justice.
“They will of course be held to a much higher standard, a much higher moral and ethical standard than the rest of us. They must only be seen to be just; they must be just indeed. The mere perception of judicial malfeasance poisons the waters of justice, let alone the reality, while delays in the administration of justice often defeats the ends of Justice,” the acting president said.
After taking his oath of office, Justice Onnoghen who pledged to abide by the oath, sued for cooperation among the three arms of government in order to move the country forward.
In his remarks, he observed that adherence to the rule of law and respect for the independence of the judiciary would go a long way in addressing some of the seething problems currently bedeviling the nation.
“On my part as the head of the judiciary, I assure you that from the past experience, the key to everything in a democratic setting is adherence to the rule of law. There lies the solution to our problems. Let us try to encourage the independence of the judiciary so as to ensure the rule of law.
“If everyone realises that they are subject to the rule of law and that there are certain things that are tackled according to the rule of law and behave accordingly, it will benefit all of us,” Onnoghen said.
Senate President Bukola Saraki told the CJN that Nigerians want to see a judiciary that cooperates with other arms of government in carrying out a lot of reforms.
Saraki said, “I think he has about four years and that gives time for a lot of reforms in the judiciary. I am confident that with time on his side and his commitment to some of the issues he has talked about in trying to ensure that the judiciary is independent, a lot is expected of him.
“Normally, sometimes CJNs have a very short period of time, but he will have no excuse not to deliver on the reforms in the judiciary. We hope he does that and we wish him all the best.
“There are so many issues that he talked about when he was being screened by the Senate and he has given us the assurance and I think with the time that he has, he should deliver and I am confident that he will deliver and we’ll continue to support on our own part.”
Also, Cross River State governor, Senator Ben Ayade, described the appointment of Onnoghen as putting a round peg in a round hole.
The governor said the appointment of Onnoghen could not have come at a better time than now, especially given the needed reforms in the judiciary.
In a statement signed by his senior special assistant on media and chief press secretary, Christian Ita, Governor Ayade said, “We the people of Cross River State rejoice with you on your appointment as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. For us, this is another well-deserved honour and recognition of your deep intellect, integrity and experience. There is no doubt that you will bring your expertise and ingenuity to bear on the administration of the justice system in Nigeria.
“Given your antecedent, Nigerians can be rest assured that the much needed reforms in the judiciary will take place during your time as CJN, even as you strive to uphold its independence”.
While lauding President Mohammadu Buhari for considering yet another Cross Riverian for an appointment to such an exalted position as CJN, Ayade said, “I want to thank Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari for finding our son, Justice Walter Onnoghen worthy of the exalted office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Once again, His Excellency has demonstrated that he is indeed a President for all.