Kekere-ekun becomes Nigeria’s second female CJN

Kekere-ekun becomes Nigeria’s second female CJN

· Gets charge from Tinubu to defend judiciary’s independence, uphold constitution

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, 23rd August 2024, swore in Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-ekun, as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), making her the second female justice after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, to hold the apex office in Nigeria’s terminal court. She takes over from Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

Speaking during the swearing in ceremony which took place at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu charged her to be committed to the sanctity of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the discharge of her duties.

He emphasised the gravity of the responsibilities of her new position, encouraging her to defend the independence of the judiciary, promote justice, integrity, accountability, transparency, and fire up public confidence in the judiciary.

His take, “I also encourage you to defend the judiciary’s independence, always 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”.

The President also pledged to prioritize the development and welfare of the judiciary and its officers, promising prompt and adequate attention to the sector, even as he emphasized the critical role of the Supreme Court in shaping public policies and evolving Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

Tinubu assured the judiciary of his administration’s support, capacity, easing justice administration, and promoting the rule of law.

The president highlighted the recent 300% raise in judicial officers’ pay package through the Judicial Office Holder Acts of 2024 and the appointment of 11 Supreme Court Justices in December 2023, bringing the court to its full complement of 21 judges, to buttress his claim.

His words, “I want to assure you that my administration will continue to provide appropriate support to improve the welfare and capacity of the judiciary, ease the administration of Justice and promote the rule of law in Nigeria….

“Let me also reassure you that the judiciary, under this administration, will continue to receive prompt and adequate attention in recognising its status as a driver of social order, rule of law, peace, security and economic development.”

Tinubu commended the Acting CJN for having practised as a lawyer, Magistrate, High Court Judge, Court of Appeal judge, and Supreme Court Judge.

The President also thanked the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, for his 33 years of service to the judiciary and the nation, and wished him a peaceful retirement.

Speaking to reporters after being sworn in, Justice Kekere-Ekun appealed to Nigerians to collaborate with the Judiciary to achieve the desired change and build confidence in the institution.

For her, a better Judiciary benefits all Nigerians, highlighting the importance of a rigorous appointment process, discipline on the bench and at the bar, and faith in the system.

The change of guards at the nation’s highest court comes at a time when the nation’s judiciary is suffering harsh public perception. This is worsened by the National Bureau of Statistics’ recent report that the worst form of cash bribes in the country was perpetuated by judicial officers.

Senior lawyers at the event expressed their concerns over the low confidence of many Nigerians in the country’s judiciary and called for reforms towards quic

k dispensation of justice.