Justice Tanko Muhammad, The Chief Justice of Nigeria has tendered his resignation letter as the Nigerian CJN on Monday.
According to sources, the CJN said the purpose of his resignation was a result of ill health.
Last week some justices of the Supreme Court had written Mr. Tanko a letter on the various challenges faced within the apex court. His resignation comes on the heels of the protest letter by his brother justices over poor welfare service.
Following the resignation of Justice Tanko, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola is the most senior justice of the Supreme Court who will act as the interim CJN.
About Justice Ariwoola
Justice Ariwoola was a justice of the court of appeal between 2005 and 2011. He was appointed a Supreme Court justice in 2011 and was sworn in on November, 22, 2011.
Justice Ariwoola holds a bachelors of law degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).
He was called to the Nigerian bar in July 1981 after which he was enrolled at the apex court as a solicitor and advocate.
He was first appointed a Judge of the Superior Court of record in Oyo State in 1992.