President Bola Tinubu has officiated the oath of office for Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the interim Chief Justice of Nigeria, pending Senate confirmation.
The ceremony, marking her appointment as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria and the second woman to hold this esteemed position, took place at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja.
In his address, President Tinubu stressed the significance of safeguarding the autonomy of the judiciary and advocating for justice. He highlighted the imperative of reinforcing mechanisms that uphold integrity, discipline, and transparency within the judicial system.
The President emphasized the weight of the Chief Justice of Nigeria’s role as the head of all judicial institutions in the nation. He underscored the necessity for the officeholder to embody unwavering integrity in executing their duties, particularly given the conclusive nature of Supreme Court judgments.
President Tinubu commended Justice Kekere-Ekun for her contributions to the judiciary, noting her distinguished professional background and family heritage. Her ascent from a magistrate to a Supreme Court justice is a testament to her exceptional abilities, dedication, and unblemished record in the legal profession.
Reflecting on the evolution of the Nigerian Supreme Court since its establishment as the highest court, President Tinubu acknowledged its pivotal role in resolving intricate legal disputes, even during periods of military rule. He recognized the court’s influence in shaping public policies, such as the recent interpretation of the 1999 Constitution concerning local council financial autonomy.
President Tinubu assured the judiciary of continued support from his administration to enhance its welfare and capacity. He highlighted the appointment of 11 new Supreme Court justices in December 2023, bringing the court to its full complement of 21 justices for the first time in decades.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria expressed her commitment to elevating the judiciary, enhancing its reputation, and fostering public trust in the judicial system. She emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in improving the judiciary and upholding justice.
The event was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, justices of the Supreme Court, senior judicial officers, and members of the Federal Executive Council. The presence of Justice Kekere-Ekun’s family, led by her spouse Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, added a personal touch to the occasion.
As part of efforts to bolster the judiciary’s welfare, the federal budget allocation to the institution was doubled during President Tinubu’s inaugural year in office.
