President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), urging her to defend the judiciary’s independence and remain loyal to the Nigerian constitution. Tinubu encouraged Kekere-Ekun to exercise temperance and sobriety in discharging her duties, vowing to give prompt attention to the institution to realize its full potential.
The President emphasized the importance of the judiciary in advancing Nigeria’s democracy and shaping public policies. He assured Kekere-Ekun of his administration’s support to improve the welfare and capacity of the judiciary, ease the administration of justice, and promote the rule of law.
Kekere-Ekun succeeds Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who stepped down upon reaching the statutory retirement age of 70 years. She is expected to serve until her retirement in 2028 and assumes office in an acting capacity pending her confirmation by the Senate.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised Kekere-Ekun’s ascension, noting that it comes at a critical time for the separation of powers in Nigeria. He commended President Tinubu for ensuring a seamless transition and demonstrating the importance of the judiciary.
Key points:
- President Tinubu swears in Justice Kekere-Ekun as acting CJN
- Urges her to defend judiciary’s independence and remain loyal to the constitution
- Emphasizes importance of judiciary in advancing Nigeria’s democracy
- Assures support to improve welfare and capacity of the judiciary
- Kekere-Ekun succeeds Justice Ariwoola and assumes office in an acting capacity pending Senate confirmation.
