Senate Confirms Mariam Aloma Mukhtar as first Female Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The senate has today the 11th day of June  confirmed Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar (JSC) as next Chief Justice of Nigeria to replace outgoing Justice Dahiru Mustapher, making her the first female to occupy the venerated position.

It will be recalled that the President, Goodluck Jonathan six days ago (5th July,2012),  sent Mariam Aloma Mukhtar’s name along side two other names Kumai Akaah and Atanley Allagoa to the Senate for confirmation as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Justice Mariam Aloma was called to the Bar on June 26, 1967. The Kano born distinguished jurist is not new to breaking new grounds and pioneering as she was the first woman to be appointed as the first female Magistrate in the Northern region, first female Chief Registrar, Kano State Government Judiciary (1973 – 1977) and Judge, first female Judge inHigh Court of Kano State in 1977 and First female Judge at the Court of Appeal in September, 1987.

Justice Muktar has been a life Bencher since 1993 and a life member of the Federation of Women Lawyers. She was also the Vice President of the National Association of Women Judges of Nigeria. In 1989, Muktar was honored by the Federation of Women Lawyers and in 1991; she was decorated with a Gold Merit Award by the Kano State Government.

In 2003 she was again honored by the International Association of Women Lawyers, and in 2004, the Fellowship of the Nigerian Law School was conferred on her.

She is at present, one of only three female justices of the apex court, the others being Olufunlola Adekeye and Mary Odili (wife of indicted former governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili).

Justice Mukhtar will succeed Dahiru Mustapher, who will retire on July 15, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 70. She is expected toremain in  office until November 2014 when she would also retire, after turning 70.

Naija Hottestgist and Nigerian women especially are proud of the esteemed jurist and wish her all the best.