'FIRST FEMALE CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA SWORN IN''

By Abel Abel Inis
Africa Correspondent, SAM Daily Times

Monday the 16th of July 2012 marked a new dawn in the Nation's government as Nigeria's first female Chief Justice, Hon Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar was sworn in in Abuja. Justice Mukhtar takes over from Justice Dahiru Mustapher who officially retired at the mandatory age of 70 on Sunday. President Goodluck Jonathan swore in Justice Aloma Mukhtar with a charge to her to tackle delay in the dispensation of justice, tackle cases of corruption and to engender the much needed judicial reform in the country. The brief but elaborate ceremony withnessed an array of personalities including the First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan who was attending such state function for the first time. President Goodluck Jonathan who performed the swearing in ceremony also conferred on Justice Mukhtar, who is Nigeria's 13th Chief Justice, the honour of Grand Commander of the Niger(GCON). Justice Aloma 68, was the first female lawyer of the northern extraction, the first female High court judge from the north, first female Second in command, Kano state Judiciary,the first Nigerian female jury to be elevated to the Court of Appeal, where she served for over 17 years. Today she has risen to the pinnacle of her judicial career as the first female CJN. Her achievement is no doubt an inspiration to all citizens, especially the women folk. She will, after leaving office, become the first female permanent member of the Nation's highest advisory council, The Council of State.