BREAKING: President Tinubu Swears in Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, pending her confirmation by the Senate.
The 66-year becomes the second woman to hold the position after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar. She succeeds Justice Ariwoola, who bowed out on Thursday, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.
Speaking during Justice Kekere-Ekun’s swearing-in ceremony at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja on Friday, the President stressed the enormity of the responsibilities that come with the position of a CJN, the head of all judicial institutions in the country.
Tinubu, further encouraged the Acting CJN to defend the judiciary’s independence, promote justice, strengthen mechanisms for integrity, discipline, and transparency, and pursue reforms to sustain public confidence in the judiciary.
According to him: “Undoubtedly, the position of the Chief Justice of Nigeria comes with enormous responsibilities as the head of all judicial institutions in the country. It is a position of considerable influence that demands temperance and sobriety, the occupant must espouse the highest level of integrity in the discharge of duties.
“This is more so because of the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgement. I therefore urge your lordship to be faithful and loyal to the Constitution when discharging your duty as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria
“I also encourage you to defend the judiciary’s independence, always promote course of Justice, strengthen mechanism for integrity, discipline and transparency in the judicial sector and pursue other reforms or initiatives to sustain public confidence in the judiciary”.
The President also pledged to prioritize the development and welfare of the judiciary and its officers, promising prompt and adequate attention to the sector, even as he emphasized the critical role of the Supreme Court in shaping public policies and evolving Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
The President commended the acting CJN for her remarkable rise through the ranks, from Magistrate to Supreme Court Justice, highlighting her exceptional talent, strong work ethics, and dedication to upholding principles and fairness.
Her ascension is seen as a beacon of hope for young women aspiring to break the glass ceiling and make a meaningful impact on society”.
Tinubu noted her unique distinction of having practiced in every court as a lawyer, Magistrate, High Court Judge, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court Judge.
The President also expressed gratitude to the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, for his 33 years of distinguished service to the judiciary and the nation.
The newly sworn-in acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, presented her agenda in an interview with the media after the inauguration.
She listed sustaining public confidence in the judicial system, improving its reputation, and elevating the judiciary to new heights among others as top priorities while highlighting the issue of discipline on the bench and at the bar as well.
”All of these things are aspects that we will look into. And I believe that by the grace of God, at the end of my tenure, we should be able to have a judiciary that we will all be proud of,” said the new CJN, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun.
The event was witnessed by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Ariwoola; former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed; Justices of the Supreme Court, senior judicial officers, and some members of the Federal Executive Council.
The family of the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, led by her spouse, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun was also present at the State House Council Chamber.
