Nwachukwu Egbunike
First Female Chief Justice of Nigeria: Justice Mariam Aloma Muktar
Justice Mariam Aloma Muktar is about to break history. Yes, ‘break’ for she will soon assume a post, which since 1958, seems to be an exclusive reserve of the male kin. With her nomination by the President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Justice Muktar is set to become the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria. Her nomination has to be approved by the Senate and if positive, she will be sworn in as the Chief Justice by the President.
Justice Mariam Muktar is a woman of many firsts. She was the first woman to be appointed into Appeal Court, Nigeria’s second highest court. She will pick the baton from Justice Dahiru Musdapher who retires as the CJN on 15 of July.
This is a summary of the occupants of the seat of Chief Justice of Nigeria and their terms in office since 1958
| Chief Justice | Term |
|---|---|
| Adetokunbo Ademola | 1958–1972 |
| Taslim Olawale Elias | 1972–1975 |
| Darnley Arthur Alexander | 1975–1979 |
| Atanda Fatai Williams | 1979–1983 |
| George Sodeinde Sowemimo | 1983–1985 |
| Ayo Gabriel Irikefe | 1985–1987 |
| Mohammed Bello | 1987–1995 |
| Muhammad Lawal Uwais | 1995–2006 |
| Salihu Moddibo Alfa Belgore | 2006–2007 |
| Idris Legbo Kutigi | 2007–2009 |
| Aloysius Iyorgyer Katsina-Alu | 2009–2011 |
| Dahiru Musdapher | 2011- date |
