Tinubu Swears In Justice Kekere-Ekun As Acting CJN, Urges Her To Uphold Judiciary’s Independence
President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), emphasizing the need for her to defend the judiciary’s independence and promote justice. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, pending her confirmation by the Senate.
During the ceremony, President Tinubu underscored the significance of the role of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, noting that it comes with substantial responsibilities and influence. He highlighted the importance of integrity, discipline, and transparency in the judiciary, urging Justice Kekere-Ekun to be faithful to the Constitution and to strengthen mechanisms that enhance these values.
“The position of the Chief Justice of Nigeria demands the highest level of integrity in the discharge of duties, especially given the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgments,” Tinubu stated. He further encouraged the new acting CJN to pursue reforms that would bolster public confidence in the judiciary.
President Tinubu praised Justice Kekere-Ekun’s contributions to the judiciary, citing her distinguished career and her rise from a magistrate to a justice of the Supreme Court as evidence of her exceptional talent, dedication, and unblemished record. He also noted that her appointment as acting CJN serves as an inspiration to young women across Nigeria, highlighting her as the second woman to hold this esteemed position, following Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar.
Reflecting on the evolution and crucial role of the Nigerian Supreme Court since its establishment under the 1963 Constitution, President Tinubu acknowledged the court’s impact on public policy and its role in resolving complex legal issues, even during military rule. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary, citing the expedited passage of the Judicial Autonomy Act of 2024, which increased judicial officers’ remuneration by 300 percent.
The President assured that his administration would continue to prioritize the judiciary, recognizing its essential role in maintaining social order, the rule of law, and economic development. He also expressed gratitude to the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, for his 32 years of service to the judiciary and the nation.
Following her swearing-in, the acting CJN, Justice Kekere-Ekun, spoke to the media, pledging to elevate the judiciary, improve its reputation, and sustain public confidence in the judicial system. She emphasized the collective responsibility of all judicial officers to work towards a better judiciary and promised to address concerns regarding the appointment process and discipline within the judiciary.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, justices of the Supreme Court, senior judicial officers, members of the Federal Executive Council, and Justice Kekere-Ekun’s family.
A statement from the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, highlighted that as part of President Tinubu’s efforts to support the judiciary, the federal budgetary allocation to the institution was increased by 100 percent during his first year in office.
