Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Sworn-in as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has has sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, urging her to ease the administration of justice and promote the rule of law.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC), on the15th of this month to Tinubu to replace the outgoing CJN, Ariwoola.
At the event in Abuja, the President reassured the Acting CJN that under his administration, the judiciary would continue to recieve prompt and adequate attention in recognising its status as a driver of social order, rule of law, peace security, and economic development.
“Undoubtedly the position of the CJN comes with enormous responsibilities as the head of all judicial Institutions in the country. It is a position of considerable influence that demands the temperance and sobriety, the occupant must attain the highest level of integrity in the discharge of duties.
“This is moreso because of the finality of the Supreme Court judgement I therefore urge your lordship to be faithful and loyal to the constitution when discharging your duty as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.
“I also encourage her to defend the judiciary’s independence, promote course of justice, strengthen mechanism for integrity, discipline and transparency in the judicial sector, and pursue other reforms or initiatives to sustain public confidence in the judiciary”, he advised.
Making reference to Justice Kekere-Ekun’s qualities, President Tinubu said her sterling contributions to the growth of Nigeria and Nigerian judiciary, the legal system had been remarkable, which was inspired by her unwavering commitment, the higher ideal of upholding principles and fairness.
“Tokunbo, you a rare one and one of the few if not the only one that practised in every court as a lawyer, magistrate, high court judge, court of appeal, Supreme Court, and in principle now clearly the highest court.
“Distinguished ladies and gentle men, Nigeria’s Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, came to this position with admirable family and professional pedigree. Over the years, she established a respectable and incorruptible reputation within the bar and the bench. Her meritorious rise from Magistrate to Justice of the Supreme Court is a testament to her exceptional talent, hardworking and unblemished record, strong work ethics and dedication to her calling as a priest in the temple of justice”, the President noted.
The President observed that Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was called to the Bar in 1981, becoming the second woman to hold the position after Justice Mariam Muktar Aloma, who served as CJN from 16th July 2012 to 20th Nov 2014.
Accordingly, he said Justice Ekun’s ascension to the position was a beckon of hope for young woman aspiring to break the glass ceiling and make meaningful impact on the society .
President Tinubu took a moment to extend his appreciation to the retired CJN, Kayode Ariwoola, describing his 33years of service as distinct, dignified, and honorable to the judiciary and the country.
“I pray that he will enjoy retirement in good health and hope he is not too tired to serve in any other capacity where his experience and expertise will be called upon as we continue to build the nation of our highest dreams”, he said.
President Tinubu also said: “Nigeria’s Supreme Court has come a long way since it was empowered by the 1963 Republican Constitution to take over from the then Judicial Committee of the Council as the Highest court in our judicial hierarchy. Since then it has played a critical role in the evolution of our country, resolving complex, legal conflicts even under the military, and reshaping public policy that impacts all segments of Nigerian society.
“Late Justice Thurgood Marshall, the American civil right lawyer, and first American Justice US Supreme Court once said and I quote, “the constitution is not a static document but rather a living instrument that must be adapted to the changing needs of the society.
“Following this entrenched tradition in the apex court, Supreme Court under our constitutional democracy also recently interpreted the 1999 constitution regarding the financial autonomy of the local council to quote Marshall again, “it is emphatically the province duty of judicial department to say what the law is”.
The President said Nigerians would expect the apex court to continue to play a critical role in the evolution of the country’s constitutional democracy and shape up policies that impact all segments of the Nigetian society.
According to the President, his urge to ease the administration of justice and promote the rule of law, moved him agree to the Judicial Office Holder Act of 2024, which approved a 300 percent increase in remuneration of judicial officers.
“This came on the heels of the appointment of 11 Justices of the Supreme Court in Dec 2023, which enabled the Supreme Court to attain its full complement of 21 Justices for the first time in decades, he emphasised.
Abdullah Bello
