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President Bola Tinubu, on Friday in Abuja, urged the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to defend the judiciary’s independence and remain loyal solely to the Nigerian constitution.
He also encouraged the CJN to exercise temperance and sobriety in discharging her duties, vowing to give prompt and adequate attention to the institution to realise its full potential.
Tinubu gave the charge when he swore in Justice Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd acting Chief Justice of Nigeria at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.
The President, who returned to the country from France in the early hours of Friday, said, “I, therefore, urge your Lordship to be faithful and loyal to the constitution of Nigeria. I also encourage you to defend the independence of the judiciary.
“Always promote the course of justice. Strengthen the mechanisms for integrity, discipline, and transparency in the judiciary, and pursue or initiate reforms to sustain public confidence.”
Quoting the words of the US Supreme Court’s first African-American Justice, Thurgood Marshall, who said, “The Constitution is not a static document but rather a living instrument that must be adapted to the changing needs of society,” the President urged the apex court to advance Nigeria’s laws to better serve modern-day Nigerians.
“We expect the apex court to continue to play a critical role in the evolution of our constitutional democracy and shape public policies that impact all segments of Nigerian society.
“I want to assure you that my administration will continue to provide appropriate support to improve the welfare and capacity of the judiciary, ease the administration of justice, and promote the rule of law in Nigeria.
“This focus informed the expedited passage of the National Assembly and my consent to the Judicial Office Holders Act of 2024, which approved a 300 per cent increase in the remuneration of judicial officers. This followed the appointment of 11 Justices of the Supreme Court in December 2023, enabling the Court to attain its full complement of 21 justices for the first time in decades.”
Tinubu stated that the judiciary will receive all the support it needs to advance Nigeria’s democracy.
Therefore, he urged Kekere-Ekun to exercise “the highest level of integrity” in discharging her duties, as the buck stops on her table.
“Let me also reassure you that the judiciary under this administration will continue to receive prompt and adequate attention to realise its purpose as a driver of social order, the rule of law, peace, security, and economic development.
“On that premise, the position of the Chief Justice of Nigeria comes with enormous responsibility 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 duty. This is especially important due to the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgments,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said Kekere-Ekun’s ascension to the country’s highest judicial office comes at a critical time for the separation of powers in Nigeria.
He explained, “We’re excited, not just because she is a Lagosian like me, but because we have avoided any vacuum in our democracy. That’s the beauty of it. Yesterday, a former CJN stepped down after reaching the statutory age.
“Within 24 hours, the President cut short his trip to ensure that governance and democracy did not stop.
“He has demonstrated the importance and strategic relevance of the judiciary by ensuring that we have a new Chief Justice of the Federation, albeit in an acting capacity, within 24 hours, so that nothing is left to chance. It comes at a time when we all need to ensure that our democracy respects and appreciates the clear separation of powers.”
The NJC had, on August 15, after its 106th meeting, recommended Kekere-Ekun to the President to replace the outgoing CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Announcing its decision, the council said, “The NJC, at its 106th meeting presided over by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who steps down today, recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to President Bola Tinubu for appointment as the CJN.”
She succeeds Ariwoola, who assumed office on June 27, 2022, and stepped down on Thursday upon reaching the statutory retirement age of 70 years.
At 66, Kekere-Ekun is expected to serve until her retirement in 2028. She assumes office in an acting capacity pending her confirmation by the Senate.
The ceremony was attended by the President, Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
Also in attendance were the retired CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and members of the National Judicial Council and the Nigerian Bar Association.
English (US) ·