President Bola Tinubu on Friday swore in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), pending her confirmation by the Senate.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, marking the appointment of the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria and the second female to hold the office.
In his remarks during the ceremony, Tinubu emphasized the critical importance of judicial independence for maintaining social order, peace, and security.
He called on Justice Kekere-Ekun to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and to strengthen the mechanisms that ensure discipline and transparency within the judicial system.
“The position of the Chief Justice of Nigeria comes with enormous responsibilities as the head of all judicial institutions in the country.
“It is a position of considerable influence that demands temperance and sobriety. The occupant of the office must exude the highest level of integrity in the discharge of their duties,” Tinubu stated.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981, has had a distinguished career in the judiciary, rising from the position of a magistrate to a justice of the Supreme Court.
Tinubu commended her for her “unblemished record, strong work ethic, and dedication to her calling as a priest in the temple of justice,” and noted her appointment as an inspiration to young women aspiring to make significant impacts in various sectors.
After the swearing-in, Justice Kekere-Ekun expressed her commitment to elevating the judiciary and enhancing public confidence in the judicial system.
“We will make sure that people have more confidence in the judiciary.
“I believe that there will be maximum cooperation because we all want to see a better judiciary…a better judiciary is for the benefit of the entire nation,” she said.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and other justices of the Supreme Court.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s family, led by her spouse, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, was also present.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary, highlighting recent increases in judicial salaries and federal budgetary allocations to the institution.
He assured that the judiciary would continue to receive “prompt and adequate attention, recognizing its status as a driver of social order, rule of law, peace, security, and economic development.”
