The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, has resigned, citing ill-health. His resignation, a rare show of integrity, is coming amid discontent among the Supreme Court Justices who have complained of poor state of affairs at the apex court.

The 14 Justices had in a protest letter lamented the poor working conditions, including remuneration and infrastructure, at the Supreme Court.

To fill the void and in accordance with laid down rules, arrangements are being made to swear in the next most senior justice of the apex Court, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The nature of the illness was not known but Supreme Court staffers said he had been in and out of ailment.