Kekere-Ekun pledges to restore trust in Nigerian judiciary

The acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has vowed to increase Nigerians’ trust in the judicial system.

She maintained that such a task would not be hers alone but the collective duty of all Nigerians.

“We will take the judiciary to new heights. We will improve its reputation and ensure that people have greater confidence in the judiciary.

“I believe that it is not a one-person job. We all have to be involved because we all recognise the areas that need improvement. I believe there will be cooperation because we all want to see a better judiciary.”

Kekere-Ekun made these remarks at her swearing-in ceremony as the 23rd acting Chief Justice of Nigeria at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.

She also noted that her administration would reform the appointment process for judicial officers, promising a better judiciary by the end of her tenure.

“We’ll also be more particular about the process of appointments, which is a significant concern.

“So, this is one of the aspects we will address, and I believe that by the grace of God, by the end of my tenure, we will have a judiciary we can all be proud of. A better judiciary benefits the entire nation; whatever shortcomings we see today, our duty is to improve as members of society.

“So, if you want to see improvement, let it start with each of us and our approach to justice. Let us all also have faith in the system,” added Kekere-Ekun.

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.