Nigeria's First Female Chief Justice of the Federation

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (also called the CJN) is a very important figure. He or she is the head of the judiciary, one of the three arms of government (the other two being the legislature and the executive). The CJN is also responsible for presiding over the National Judicial Council and the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which is the highest court in the nation. Thus, the position is a very important one.

 The following are the Chief Justices of Nigeria from 1958 till date: 

1. Adetokunbo Ademola 1958–1972

2. Taslim Olawale Elias 1972–1975

3. Darnley Arthur Alexander 1975–1979

4. Atanda Fatai Williams 1979–1983

5. George Sodeinde Sowemimo 1983–1985

6. Ayo Gabriel Irikefe 1985–1987

7. Mohammed Bello 1987–1995

8. Muhammad Lawal Uwais 1995–2006

9. Salihu Moddibo Alfa Belgore 2006–2007

10. Idris Legbo Kutigi 2007–2009

11. Aloysius Iyorgyer Katsina-Alu 2009–2011

12. Dahiru Musdapher 2011–2012

13. Aloma Mariam Mukhtar 2012–incumbent

Pictures can be so somehow, well, this one looks as if the CJN does not want to receive the handshake of the First Lady. But then, it's just a picture. 

As you can see, this is the first time a woman will head Nigeria's Supreme Court, and that is no mean achievement, especially when she comes from one of the most-educationally challenged places in Africa. She is  CHIEF JUSTICE MARIAM ALOMA MUKHTAR. On Monday, 16th July, 2012, she took the oath of office as the Chief Justice of Nigeria inside the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, taking over from Chief Justice Dahiru Musdapher, who has reached the retirement age of 70. 

Thereafter, she was decorated with the award of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), which is the second-highest honour in Nigeria by President Jonathan who encouraged her to tackle corruption cases and speed up the much-needed judicial reforms in the country. 

Some of those present at the event include: 

-Arc. Namadi Sambo, Vice President of Nigeria. 

-Dame Patience Jonathan, First Lady of Nigeria who was attending such a ceremony for the first time. 

-Senator David Mark, Senate President

-Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

With the former CJNs, from left: Uwais, Musdapher and Belgore. 

Nigeria's New CJN

Stepping out in style. 

Ladies and bags sha...lol! 

She is expected to be in office till November 2014 when she will also turn 70. Also, she was one of the three judges who nullified the 2007 presidential elections of late President Umaru Musa Yaradua. 

With Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano. 

With female justices. 

Hear what her colleagues have to say: 

Justice Mukhtar is always at peace with herself, that is an indication of inner poise. You can never find her ruffled in any matter. She exudes calm and confidence and possesses an in-depth knowledge of the law. She has all it takes to impact positively on the image of the judiciary and the justice delivery system. It is not a matter of how long, but how well and I believe she has all it takes in intellect, character and candour to bring about a robust and effective judicial system in Nigeria. Her tenure indeed promises to be very interesting and we look forward to a robust and efficient judiciary under her leadership.”-CHIEF ADEGBOYEGA AWOMOLO, SAN. 

With justices of the Supreme Court.

“She executes her work without fear or favour. She is more than an Iron Lady. Justice Mukhtar has the capacity to overhaul the judiciary. Just wait and see what will happen. She will make a lot of changes. She is not corrupt and she will never allow corruption.” -BASHIR ABDULLAH SUFI, Chief Registrar of Kano State High Court.

With female lawyers. 

“I think the country is lucky to have that lady as the Chief Justice of Nigeria at this time. We are, indeed, in for very pleasant surprises. I have appeared before Justice Mukhtar in many cases and I tell you, she is a very sound jurist. I rate her very highly. In any case, every justice of the Supreme Court is an AAA justice, one can never make it to the apex court with less A credential''. -MR. PAUL EROKORO, SAN. 

Those two guys need no introduction...lol!

“She is a pleasant woman of the Nigerian bench. She is a mother figure and a beauty to appear before at the law courts due to her deep knowledge of the law and the legal procedures. There is no better way to celebrate competence on the Nigerian bench than to have her as the Chief Justice of the Federation. I don’t want to sound sexist, but most women on the Nigerian bench have proved incorruptible. It may be due to the fact that they are under less pressure than their male counterparts. Moreover, they are difficult to approach for corrupt engagements. Mukhtar is a staunch legal personality who will make the bench proud.”-FESTUS KEYAMO, human Rights Lawyer. 


Please note: President Jonathan is in not the one who appointed her to office o. The selection of the CJN is strictly the business of the judiciary, and it is just for the Executive (Presidency) to swear her in. This is for those who will count this as an achievement of the GEJ administration. They are two different things. Thanks. 


Iyaniwura's Blog wishes this wonderful woman and an 'Iyaniwura' in her own right the very best in all her career and retirement. Very inspiring woman! This blog post is dedicated to all women with dreams and ambitions. Go achieve! 


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IYANIWURA.