Nigeria May be Set To Get Her First Female Chief Justice

Nigeria is on the threshold of having its first female Chief Justice. President Goodluck Jonathan has nominated Justice Alooma Muktar to assume the premier position as Chief Justice of Nigeria’s Supreme Court.

Earlier today, President Jonathan forwarded Justice Muktar’s name to the Senate for confirmation as the successor to Justice Dahiru Musdapher, who is due to retire at the end of July, 2012.

Justice Muktar’s elevation was not without some stumbling blocks as some interests appeared uncomfortable with her ascension to the CJN post. In fact, there was an effort to put her out of contention by offering her an international assignment on behalf of the country. She bluntly rejected the unsolicited offer, which was made by the outgoing CJN.

Mr. Jonathan has also nominated Justice Clara Ogunbiyi and Justice Musa Mohammed as justices of the Supreme Court.