Tinubu Swears in Justice Kekere-Ekun as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Urges Judicial Independence

Segun Atanda/

President Bola Tinubu has officially administered the oath of office to Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) during a ceremony today at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, who now holds the distinction of being the 23rd Chief Justice and the second woman to occupy the position, awaits confirmation by the Senate.

In his address at the swearing-in ceremony, President Tinubu underscored the crucial role of the judiciary in maintaining social order, peace, and security. He called on Justice Kekere-Ekun to staunchly defend the independence of the judiciary while upholding justice with integrity, discipline, and transparency.

“The position of the Chief Justice of Nigeria comes with enormous responsibilities as the head of all judicial institutions in the country,” President Tinubu said. “The occupant of this office must exhibit the highest level of integrity, given the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgments. I urge your Lordship to be faithful to the Constitution and to defend the judiciary’s independence.”

The President highlighted Justice Kekere-Ekun’s impressive career trajectory, noting her rise from a magistrate to a Supreme Court Justice as evidence of her dedication and unblemished record. He expressed confidence in her ability to lead the judiciary with distinction, describing her appointment as a beacon of hope for young women aspiring to break barriers in various fields.

The President also reflected on the historical significance of the Supreme Court since its empowerment in 1963, acknowledging its role in shaping public policy and resolving complex legal conflicts, even during military regimes. He assured the judiciary of continued support from his administration, citing recent efforts such as the expedited passage of the Judicial Autonomy Act of 2024, which saw a 300 percent increase in judicial officers’ remuneration.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, in her remarks to the media following her swearing-in, pledged to elevate the judiciary’s reputation and sustain public confidence. She emphasized the need for collective effort in addressing areas requiring improvement, particularly the process of judicial appointments and discipline within the legal profession.

The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and other senior judicial officers. Justice Kekere-Ekun’s family, led by her husband, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, was also present to witness the historic event.

As part of the administration’s commitment to the judiciary, the federal budgetary allocation to the institution was doubled during President Tinubu’s first year in office.

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