A former frontline presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sam Ohuabunwa, has called on the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to be bold in fighting corruption within the judiciary and tackle the lingering issue of the welfare of judges in the country.

Ohuabunwa stated this in a statement, on Friday, in Abakaliki.

He tasked the new CJN to also work tirelessly to ensure the independence of the judiciary, saying it was the last hope of the common man.

Ohuabunwa, who is the immediate past President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the Convener of the New Nigeria Group, commended the recent resignation of Justice Muhammad Tanko, who, he noted, toed the path of honour.

He said, “The recent resignation of Justice Muhammad Tanko as CJN is commendable. I congratulate him for taking the honourable path.

“His health status, notwithstanding, it is clear that his decision was precipitated by the vote of no-confidence passed on him by his colleagues. This is the type of honourable behaviour that we canvass for in the NEW NIGERIA.

“I wish him God’s healing and peace in retirement.

“Let me also congratulate Justice Olukayode Ariwoola for his emergence as the acting CJN. I implore him to think seriously about how he wants his tenure to be remembered.

“I encourage him to be bold in fighting corruption within the judiciary.

“I strongly recommend that he attends to the lingering issues of judges’ welfare and above all work assiduously to make the judiciary not only independent, but also seen to be the last hope of the common man.”