President Bola Tinubu has called on Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the newly inaugurated acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), to reinforce mechanisms for integrity and transparency within the judiciary.
The president made this appeal during her inauguration on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who now holds the distinction of being the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history—following Aloma Mariam Mukhtar’s tenure from July 2012 to November 2014—was commended by President Tinubu for her illustrious legal career. He noted that her progression from a magistrate to a justice of the Supreme Court exemplifies her exceptional talent and dedication to the law.
“Undoubtedly, the position of the CJN comes with enormous responsibilities as the head of all judicial institutions in the country,” President Tinubu stated. “It is a position of considerable influence that demands temperance and sobriety. The occupant must espouse the highest level of integrity in the discharge of duties. This is more so because of the finality of the Supreme Court judgment.”
The president emphasized the crucial role of the CJN in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the judiciary remains a beacon of fairness and justice in the country. He urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to remain faithful to the constitution and to steadfastly defend the independence of the judiciary.
“I also encourage you to defend the judiciary’s independence, always promote the course of justice, strengthen mechanisms for integrity, discipline, and transparency in the judicial sector, and pursue other reforms or initiatives to sustain public confidence in the judiciary,” Tinubu added.
President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary, pledging to improve the welfare and capacity of judicial officers, ease the administration of justice, and promote the rule of law.
Justice Kekere-Ekun succeeds Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on August 22, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. Her appointment as CJN remains subject to confirmation by the Senate, in accordance with Section 231, Subsection 1 of the Nigerian Constitution.
