5 Facts You Must Know About Walter Onnoghen Nigeria's New Chief Justice

After a long delay Walter Onnoghen was finally confirmed as Nigeria's Chief Justice. He was made Acting Chief Justice after his name was sent to the Senate by Acting President Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen.

Who is Walter Onnoghen, what do we know about him? Here are some facts:

1. Background

Hon. Justice W.S. Nkanu Onnoghen was born on December 22, 1950. He is 66 years old currently. He was born at Okurike Town, Biase L.G.A. of Cross Rivers state.

2. Early education

He attended the Presbyterian Primary School, Okurike Town between 1959 and 1965.

He later proceeded to Accra, Ghana to attend Odorgorno Secondary School, Adabraka, Accra, Ghana between 1967 and 1972 for his West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams.

3. Higher education

Onnoghen was at Accra Academy, Accra Ghana between 1972 and 1974 for his WAEC (A-Levels) before proceeding to the University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana between 1974 and 1977 to obtain his Bachelor of Law Degree (LL.B (Hons)) and graduated with 2nd Class Upper Division.

He attended the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos between 1977 and 1978 for his B.L certificate.

4. Former office

He has been an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria since 2005, after been nominated by Olusegun Obasahjo.

5. Qualifications

Below are some qualifications he has and positions he has held:

- Pupil State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Ikeja, Lagos state (1978 - 1979)

- Partner in the Law Firm of Effiom Ekong & Company, Calabar (1979 – 1988)

- Principal Partner/Head of Chamber of Walter Onneghen & Associates, Calabar (1988 -1989)

- High Court Judge, Cross Rivers state Judiciary (1989 - 1998)

- Chairman, Cross Rivers state Armed Robbery and Fire Arms Tribunal (1990 - 1993)

- Chairman, Judicial Enquiry into the crisis between students of the University of Calabar and Obufa Esuk Orok community, Calabar (1996)

- Chairman, Failed Bank Tribunal, Ibadan zone (1998)

- Judge, High Court of Rivers state (1992 - 2004)

- Justice of the Court of Appeal (1998 – 2005)

Meanwhile, after his confirmation as Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, said he would ensure the independence of the judiciary

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