Tinubu swears in Kekere-Ekun as Chief Justice of Nigeria…urges her to defend Judiciary’s independence

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday swore in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as 23rd Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) after the retirement of Olukayode
Ariwoola who clocked the statutory 70-year retirement age.

During the swearing in ceremony at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, the president urged the new CJN to defend the judiciary’s independence and remain loyal solely to the Nigerian constitution.

Tinubu also enjoined the her to demonstrate temperance and sobriety in carrying out her duties.

The president, however, pledged to pay prompt and adequate attention to the institution to realise its full potentials.

The President, who returned to the country from France in the early hours of Friday, for the swearing in exercise said: “I, therefore, urge your Lordship to be faithful and loyal to the constitution of Nigeria. I also encourage you to defend the independence of the judiciary.”

“Always promote the cause of justice. Strengthen the mechanisms for integrity, discipline and transparency in the judiciary, and pursue or initiate reforms to sustain public confidence,” Tinubu added.

While quoting the words of the US Supreme Court’s first African-American Justice, Thurgood Marshall, who said, “The Constitution is not a static document but rather a living instrument that must be adapted to the changing needs of society,” the President urged the apex court to advance Nigeria’s laws to serve modern-day Nigerians better.

“We expect the apex court to continue to play a critical role in the evolution of our constitutional democracy and shape public policies that impact all segments of Nigerian society,” the president added.

“I want to assure you that my administration will continue to provide appropriate support to improve the welfare and capacity of the judiciary, ease the administration of justice, and promote the rule of law in Nigeria,” he stressed.

“This focus informed the expedited passage of the National Assembly and my consent to the Judicial Office Holders Act of 2024, which approved a 300 per cent increase in the remuneration of judicial officers. This followed the appointment of 11 Justices of the Supreme Court in December 2023, enabling the Court to attain its full complement of 21 justices for the first time in decades.

He also urged Kekere-Ekun to exercise “the highest level of integrity” in discharging her duties, as the buck stops on her table.

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

“On that premise, the position of the Chief Justice of Nigeria comes with enormous responsibility 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 duty. This is especially important due to the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgments,” the president said.

The NJC had, on August 15, after its 106th meeting, recommended Kekere-Ekun to the President to replace the outgoing CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

Announcing its decision, the council said: “The NJC, at its 106th meeting presided over by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who steps down today, recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to President Bola Tinubu for appointment as the CJN.”

At 66, Kekere-Ekun is expected to serve until her retirement in 2028. She assumes office in an acting capacity pending her confirmation by the Senate.

The President, Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State attended the event.

The retired CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and members of the National Judicial Council and the Nigerian Bar Association also attended the event.

Kindly share this story: