Mahmud Mohammed - the New Chief Justice of Nigeria

Justice Mahmud Mohammed was on November 20 sworn-in as the new Chief Justice of the Federation. He succeeded Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar who retired same day having attained the mandatory retirement age of 70 years stipulated for Supreme Court Justices under the constitution. Daily Independent Law profiles Muhammed, the 15th Chief Justice of Nigeria

The new Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Mahmud Mohammed who assumed office on November 20, has been described as an intelligent blunt individual, who says things as they are and is not afraid to take unpopular positions on issues once he is convinced that his position is right. He is said to be a gentleman and man, who understands the law, applies it as it is and not given to emotions.

He was born on November 10, 1946 in Jalingo, Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State. His father, Mamman Maikato Bakin Kasuwa Jalinggo was a timber dealer while his mother, Aishatu Mamman of Garkin Dogo Village was into petty trading.

Justice Mohammed attended Malam Kasimu Koranic School, Jalingo from 1950 - 53; Junior Primary School, Jalingo and Senior Primary School, Jalingo between 1953 and 1959. He later proceeded to Secondary Technical School/Government College, Kaduna where he obtained the West Africa School Certificate (WASC) in 1964. He later attended Government College/Rumfa College, Kano for his Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 1966.

Justice Mohammed studied Law at the Ahmadu Bello University (1967-70); Nigerian Law School (1970-71); Commonwealth Institute of Legislative Drafting (1976); National Institute of Public Management, Washington, United States (US) (1980); Institute of Judicial Administration, University of New York, US (1982) and Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London, United Kingdom (UK) (1983).

Muhammed began his career in public service with the Ministries of Justice of the defunct Northeastern State and the judiciary of the defunct Gongola State. In 1991, he was appointed the Acting Chief Judge of Taraba State, and was later confirmed as the Substantive Chief Judge of the state the same year.

Prior to being appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court in 2005, he was Justice of the Court of Appeal, and latter became the Presiding Justice of the court. In addition to his legal qualifications, he holds a certificate in Legislative Drafting (from the Commonwealth Institute of Legislative Drafting); a certificate in Human Resources Planning and Management (from the National Institute of Public Management, Washington, US); a certificate of administration of justice in a presidential system of government (from the Institute of Judicial Administration, University of New York US); and a certificate in government legal advisers course (from the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London, the United Kingdom (UK).

Lawyers who speak with Daily Independent over Muhammed's elevation are of the opinion that he fits the bill.

Joseph Nwobike, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria has this to say about him. "One striking feature of the new CJN is that he is a fearless judge, and he is a deep judge in the sense that he listens and does not act on emotions. I expect that, within his vision about the Nigerian Judiciary, he is going to consolidate the gains, which had been recorded under the immediate past CJN. In addition to that, I believe he is going to open up new frontiers that will enhance the overall administration of justice in Nigeria. I expect that there will be innovations. And that the next two years will also witness some level of judicial activism.

He should emphasise discipline among judicial officers and try to ensure that the disciplinary process is fair and those accused of breaching judicial code of ethics are given sufficient opportunity to defend themselves.

He should take a second look at the current Law School education system. And through the Body of Benchers, make certain imputes in order to enhance the quality of lawyers being produced from the Nigerian Law School. I believe he will have his own ideas as to what to do".

Since all his predecessors were trained outside the country, Muhammed is stepping in as the 15th CJN with the record of being the first indigenously-trained lawyer to rise to the pinnacle of the nation's judiciary.

All eyes are therefore on him to reshape the Judiciary and surpass the achievements of his predecessor, Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar.