Outgoing CJN, Mariam Aloma Mukhtar and the new CJN, Mahmud Mohammed. Photo: Information Nigeria

The Senate today at Plenary and Committee of the Whole considered the request of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for the confirmation of Justice Mahmud Mohammed for appointment as Chief Justice of the Federation in accordance with section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

After fielding questions from the distinguished Senators which included conflicting judgements from the judiciary, separation of the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, issues of seniority in the bench as its affect appointment into the office of the Chief Justice and the creation of Anti Corruption and Constitutional Matters Courts, Justice Mohammed was confirmed as the Chief Justice of the Federation.

Also today at Plenary, the Senators received correspondence from the President seeking to extend the emergency rule in the North Eastern States of Yobe, Adamawa and Borno.

The Senate went into closed session to discuss the correspondence.

Two bills were also presented for first reading on the floor of the Senate as follows: Trade Malpractice bill presented by Senator Akin Odunsi and Electoral Act bill presented by Senator Ali Ndume while the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development on the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science Act presented by Senator Emmanuel Bwacha was laid on the table.