Tinubu swear in Justice Kekere-Ekun as acting CJN

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President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), pending her Senate confirmation. 

Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, announced that the oath of office was administered on Friday, marking Justice Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd CJN and the second female to hold the position.

During the ceremony at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu urged the acting CJN to uphold the independence of the judiciary and champion the cause of justice. 

He stressed the importance of fortifying mechanisms to enhance integrity, discipline, and transparency within the judiciary.

“Undoubtedly, the role of the Chief Justice of Nigeria carries immense responsibilities as the head of all judicial institutions in the country. This influential position demands both temperance and sobriety. The occupant must embody the highest level of integrity, given the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgments,” President Tinubu said.

He continued, “I urge you to remain faithful and loyal to the Constitution in your duties as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria. Defend the judiciary’s independence, promote justice, and strengthen mechanisms for integrity, discipline, and transparency within the sector. Pursue reforms to maintain and build public confidence in the judiciary.”

President Tinubu also commended Justice Kekere-Ekun’s contributions to the judiciary, highlighting her distinguished family and professional background. He noted that her appointment serves as an inspiration to young women aspiring to break barriers and make a significant impact.

Reflecting on the evolution of the Nigerian Supreme Court since the 1963 Constitution empowered it as the highest court, President Tinubu acknowledged the court’s pivotal role in resolving complex legal conflicts, even under military rule. 

He praised the court’s role in shaping public policy, including its recent interpretation of the 1999 Constitution regarding local councils’ financial autonomy.

President Tinubu underscored the expedited passage of the Judicial Autonomy Act of 2024, which increased judicial officers’ salaries by 300 per cent.

He assured continued support for the judiciary’s welfare and capacity, citing the appointment of 11 new Supreme Court justices in December 2023 as a step toward full operational capacity.

He also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, for his 32 years of dedicated service.

In her remarks, the acting CJN vowed to elevate the judiciary, enhance its reputation, and maintain public trust in the judicial system.

”We will make sure that people have more confidence in the judiciary, and I believe that it is not a one-man job. We all have to be on board because we all see the areas that require improvement. I believe that there will be maximum cooperation because we all want to see a better judiciary. 

”A better judiciary is for the benefit of the entire nation. Whatever the shortcomings that we see today are, we are all members of society, so if we want to see a better society, if we want to see improvement, let the improvement start with each one of us and our approach to justice.

“Let us all have faith in the system and then also be particular about the process of appointment, I know it is a source of a lot of concern; 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,” the acting CJN said.