Ibrahim Muhammad Tanko was resigned as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), despite claiming he stepped down on the grounds of ill health, The Cable reports.
Last week, 14 justices of the apex court accused Tanko of abandoning his responsibilities as the leader of the court.
The judges also accused the CJN of going on foreign trips with his family while denying them the right to go on international trainings.
Some of the issues raised by the justices include — accommodation, vehicles, electricity tariff, supply of diesel, internet services to justices’ residences, training for justices and epileptic electricity supply to the court.
It is believed there was a memo from the judges to the presidency, highlighting all of the CJN’s financial dealings, and stating that they would stop sitting from September if he is not removed.
However, the CJN in a statement issued by his spokesman, Isa Ahuraka, said he did not want to join issue with the justices, adding that the circulation of the letter is akin to “dancing naked at the market square”.
The supreme court is yet to release a formal statement on the resignation.
Plans are underway to appoint Olukayode Ariwoola, the next-highest ranking justice of the supreme court, as interim chief justice of Nigeria.
