Tanko Muhammad: Senate Orders Probe Into Corruption Charges

Following the resignation of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammad, the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, has ordered a fresh probe into the corruption charges levelled against him.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan gave the directive on Tuesday when he mandated the committee led by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele to probe the allegations against the ex-CJN and the crisis currently rocking the judiciary.

"The chamber mandates the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to go ahead with its assignment in the quest to find a lasting solution to the matter by interacting with relevant stakeholders to address the complaints raised in the petition by the Justices of the Supreme Court.

"Mandate the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to interface with the relevant stakeholders in the three arms of government as well as at the bar and on the bench to collate aggregate views and positions on the short-term, medium-term and long-term measures needed to decisively address the crisis facing the judiciary, including the immediate fiscal intervention as well as long term and sustainable budgetary allocations required for the optimal performance of the judiciary, in line with global best practices; and urge the Senate to wish the Hon. Chief Justice well, following many years of meritorious service to the nation and to pray for his good health", he stated.

Senator Bamidele, the committee chairman, disclosed that his team was taking the necessary steps to look into the matter as directed by the Senate President.

"The poor welfare of Judicial Officers would affect the delivery of the judiciary in respect of their output and will prevent them from performing optimally.

"The sacred image of the Judiciary, which is the epicentre of the temple of justice should be preserved by the Senate through appropriate legislative measures in order to safeguard this highly revered institution and prevent it from being ridiculed", Bamidele mentioned.