Tinubu swears in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as new CJN pledges to preserve sanctity of Nigerian Judiciary

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu swears in Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd and second female Chief Justice of Nigeria, restating his administration’s commitment to improving judicial officers’ welfare and working conditions, to enhance their effectiveness in administering justice in the West African country 

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Monday, September 30, 2024, in Abuja, FCT, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the country’s Judiciary’s independence and sanctity as Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun took the oath of office as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

ConsumerConnect reports President Tinubu swore in Justice Kekere-Ekun as a ceremony held in the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, as the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history, following her earlier confirmation by the Senate, in the National Assembly (NASS).

In attendance at the occasion were four former Chief Justices of the Federation, including the first female Justice, Aloma Mukhtar, the President of the Court of Appeal, and other Heads of the Judiciary divisions in the country.

President Tinubu used the occasion to underscore the pivotal role of the judiciary in safeguarding Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

‘Judiciary is an important pillar holding Nigeria’s constitutional democracy’

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Monday also quoted Tinubu to have said: ”The Judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy.

“Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check.”

The President stated: ”Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged.

”For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary. “

The Nigerian leader also noted: ”While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under my watch, the government will also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us.

”We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy.”

President Tinubu further restated his administration’s dedication to improving judicial officers’ welfare and working conditions, noting recent decisions to enhance their effectiveness in administering justice.

He, therefore, urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to continue upholding the principles of ethical leadership, fearlessness, and honesty that have defined her career.

Tinubu said: ”The Nigerian Judiciary needs a leader with these qualities at this time, and I have no doubt that you will set the pace for others to follow.”

Kekere-Ekun’s rise a testament to hard work, inspiration to women and young girls, says President

In affirming the truism in dreaming bid and realising it, President Tinubu lauded Justice Kekere-Ekun’s professional rise as a testament to hard work and inspiration to women, particularly young girls, in a male-dominated profession.

Tinubu stated: ”This day has also cemented the judiciary as a self-evolving and progressive institution.

“I specifically congratulate the Nigerian women. Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true. It is worth celebrating.”

President Tinubu also acknowledged the presence of Justice Kekere-Ekun’s 89-year-old mother, Mama Wilfred Layiwola Ogundimu (Nee Savage), and other family members led by Akin Kekere-Ekun, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s husband.

The President commended the Senate for expediting the confirmation of the new CJN and thanked members of the judiciary for their continued support.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justices of the Supreme Court, senior judicial officers, and members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) attended the event.

Kindly Share This Story