Mukhtar sworn in as the first female CJN in Nigeria.

THE leadership of the three arms of government converged on Monday at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa Abuja to witness the taking of the oaths of office and allegiance by Nigeria’s first female and 13th Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Aloma Mariam Muktar.

Justice Mukthar takes over from Justice Dahiru Musdapher, who officially retired at the mandatory age of 70 on Sunday.

Justice Muktar was also conferred with the National Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

President Jonathan led the executive, including Vice President Namadi Sambo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, manly female Ministers and top Presidential aides. From the National Assembly came Senate President, David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha and Senate Majority Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba. From the Judiciary were serving Justices of the Supreme Court, former Chief Justices of Nigeria (CJN) including Justice Dahiru Musdapher, Alfa Belgore, Mohammed Uwais; Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dalhatu Adamu and other Justices in the Court of Appeal and Federal High Courts.

President Jonathan told Justice Muktar to note that "every bold and positive step" she takes "in our march to nationhood is important."

He also asked her to "apply the instrument of your hallowed office to ensure timely justice delivery to make manifestly claim that substantive justice will never be sacrifice on the alter of procedural technicality. Impunity must have no place in progressive Nigeria."

Justice Muktar, who got a standing ovation after she took the oaths told journalists later that she "will lead by example. And I will hope and pray that the others will follow."

She also stated that the judiciary will "partner with the authority to ensure that we curb this menace (terrorism) adding however that "there is no need for a special court to try terrorism-related crimes. A judge, two or three in the states can be designated to take care of that.

On long trials being experienced in the courts, Justice Muktar said it "is not the fault of the judges alone. We have counsels to contend with. They bring in various applications. We have the Constitution also to contend with. Witnesses will not be available and there is a whole litany of reasons for this delay. You just place the blame at the doorsteps of the judges.''

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