Kekere-Ekun Sworn In To Replace Ariwoola As 23rd CJN By Tinubu

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been sworn in as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

President Bola Tinubu on Friday administered the oath of office to the new CJN till her confirmation by the Senate as substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria, which makes her the 23rd person to occupy the position and would also go down the history as the second female Justice to hold the office as Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, presided over by the President, after which Tinubu urged the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria to defend the independence of the judiciary and promote the cause of justice.

The President emphasised the importance of strengthening mechanisms that will uphold and enhance integrity, discipline, and transparency in the judiciary.

”Undoubtedly, the position of 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 of the office must exude the highest level of integrity in the discharge of their duties. This is more so because of the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgements.

”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 and always promote the cause of justice. It is vital that you strengthen all mechanisms for integrity, discipline, and transparency in the judicial sector, and pursue other reforms or initiatives to sustain and build public confidence in the judiciary,” the President stated.

The President lauded the contributions of Justice Kekere-Ekun to the judiciary, noting that she is coming to the position with an admirable family and professional pedigree.

”Over the years, she has established a respectable and incorruptible reputation within the bar and the bench, which asserts the cause of justice. Her meritorious rise from a magistrate to the justice of the Supreme Court is a testament to her exceptional talent, hard work, unblemished record, strong work ethic, and dedication to her calling as a priest in the temple of justice.

Tinubu also noted that the appointment of the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria is an inspiration and a beacon of hope for young women who aspire to break glass ceilings across sectors and seek to make a meaningful impact on society.

Reflecting on the roles and evolution of the Nigerian Supreme Court since it was empowered by the 1963 Constitution to take over from the then Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as the highest court, the President noted that the court has played a critical role in resolving complex legal conflicts, even under the military.

He cited the appointment of 11 new justices of the Supreme Court in December 2023, which is enabling the court to work efficiently as it attained its full complement of 21 justices for the first time in decades.

”Let me also reassure you that the judiciary under this administration will continue to receive prompt and adequate attention, recognising its status as a driver of social order, rule of law, peace, security, and economic development,” the President said.

The President equally expressed gratitude to the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, commending him for his 32 years of service to the judiciary and the nation.

The event was witnessed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode 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.