Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Sworn in as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria

On August 23, 2024, President Bola Tinubu administered the oath of office to Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), pending her confirmation by the Senate. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja.

President Tinubu emphasized the critical role of an independent judiciary in preserving social order, peace, and security within the nation. He urged the acting Chief Justice to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and to promote justice across all sectors.

The President acknowledged the significant responsibilities that come with the position of Chief Justice. He highlighted the need for the officeholder to demonstrate the highest level of integrity, especially considering the finality of Supreme Court judgments. Tinubu advised Justice Kekere-Ekun to remain loyal to the Constitution and to champion judicial independence.

In his remarks, President Tinubu praised Justice Kekere-Ekun’s impressive professional pedigree. She has built a solid reputation within the legal community and is recognized for her commitment to the principles of justice.

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s career highlights include her journey from a magistrate to a justice of the Supreme Court. President Tinubu reflected on her dedication and exceptional talent, which have contributed to the advancement of the Nigerian judiciary.

The President further noted that Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment serves as an inspiration for young women aspiring to excel in various sectors of society.

In addition, he spoke about the evolution of the Nigerian Supreme Court and its pivotal role in adjudicating complex legal issues, even during military rule. The President cited a recent ruling concerning the financial autonomy of local councils in Nigeria as an example of the Supreme Court’s influence on public policy.

The acting Chief Justice of Nigeria expressed her commitment to elevating the judiciary’s reputation and enhancing public confidence in the judicial system. She called for collective efforts to address areas of improvement within the judiciary.

Justice Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the need to ensure fairness in appointments and maintain discipline within the legal profession. She believes that improvements should begin with the dedication of each individual towards justice and the legal process.

The event was also attended by a number of distinguished guests, including the Senate President, justices of the Supreme Court, and other senior judicial officers. The family of Justice Kekere-Ekun was present to support her during this significant moment in her career.

As part of the administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of the judiciary, President Tinubu announced a substantial increase in federal budgetary allocation to the judiciary during his first year in office.