ABUJA, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, 66, was on Wednesday confirmed as the new chief justice of Nigeria after he was screened by the country's senate in Abuja.
Muhammad's position as chief justice mandates him to head the Supreme Court of Nigeria and the country's judiciary arm of government.
The National Judicial Council initially recommended his appointment to Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari to serve in an acting capacity since January.
His nomination was sequel to the suspension of his predecessor, Walter Onnoghen, on the ground of false declaration of assets -- a breach in the Code of Conduct Tribunal act required for public officers.
In line with the constitution, Buhari had forwarded Tanko's nomination to the senate for approval on July 11.
Muhammad appeared before the senate on Wednesday for screening. His nomination was, thereafter, approved by the upper legislative chamber.
Prior to his appointment as chief justice, Tanko had served as a justice of Nigeria's apex court since 2017.
