Tinubu to New Acting CJN: Safeguard Judicial Independence
On Friday, President Bola Tinubu called on the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to uphold the judiciary’s independence and ensure justice prevails.
President Tinubu made this appeal during the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) at the State House’s Council Chamber in Abuja, pending her Senate confirmation. Justice Kekere-Ekun becomes the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria and the second woman to hold this position.
In his speech, President Tinubu highlighted the critical need to strengthen systems that promote integrity, discipline, and transparency within the judiciary.
“The role of the Chief Justice of Nigeria is one of great responsibility, overseeing all judicial institutions in the country. It is a position that requires a high degree of temperance and sobriety,” Tinubu remarked. “The individual holding this office must demonstrate the highest integrity, especially given the finality of the Supreme Court’s rulings.”
He urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to remain steadfast in her loyalty to the Constitution and to defend the judiciary’s independence while promoting justice. The President emphasized the importance of reforming and enhancing the judiciary’s integrity, discipline, and transparency to maintain public confidence.
He urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to remain steadfast in her loyalty to the Constitution and to defend the judiciary’s independence while promoting justice. The President emphasized the importance of reforming and enhancing the judiciary’s integrity, discipline, and transparency to maintain public confidence.
President Tinubu also praised Justice Kekere-Ekun’s contributions to the judiciary, noting her admirable professional background and reputation for upholding justice.
“Her rise from magistrate to Supreme Court justice reflects her exceptional talent, dedication, and unblemished record,” Tinubu said. “Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment is a significant milestone, especially as she becomes the second woman to hold this esteemed position after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar.”
The President noted that her appointment serves as an inspiration and beacon of hope for young women aspiring to break barriers and make meaningful contributions to society.
Reflecting on the Supreme Court’s evolution since it assumed the role of the highest court in 1963, Tinubu acknowledged its critical role in resolving complex legal issues and shaping public policy, including the recent interpretation of the 1999 Constitution regarding local councils’ financial autonomy.
He also mentioned the recent passage of the Judicial Autonomy Act of 2024, which increased judicial officers’ pay by 300 percent, and reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary, including appointing 11 new Supreme Court justices in December 2023 to ensure the court operates at full capacity.
“The judiciary under this administration will continue to receive prompt and adequate attention, recognizing its pivotal role in promoting social order, the rule of law, peace, security, and economic development,” Tinubu assured.
President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the immediate past Chief Justice, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, for his 32 years of dedicated service to the judiciary and the nation.
After the swearing-in, the acting Chief Justice, Justice Kekere-Ekun, pledged to improve the judiciary’s reputation and maintain public trust in the judicial system.
“We will work to enhance public confidence in the judiciary. However, it requires collective effort from all of us, as we all see areas that need improvement,” Justice Kekere-Ekun stated. “A better judiciary benefits the entire nation, and by the grace of God, I hope that by the end of my tenure, we will have a judiciary that everyone can be proud of.”
The event was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Chief Justices, justices of the Supreme Court, senior judicial officers, and members of the Federal Executive Council. The family of Justice Kekere-Ekun, including her spouse, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, was also present.
As part of efforts to improve the judiciary’s welfare, President Tinubu’s administration doubled the federal budgetary allocation to the judiciary during his first year in office.
