Reps congratulate Kekere-Ekun as acting CJN

The House of Representatives has congratulated Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun on her swearing-in as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu swore in the acting CJN on Friday at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja.

She succeeded Justice Kayode Ariwoola, who retired on August 22.

In a statement by the House spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, the House described Kekere-Ekun as a distinguished legal figure whose judicial journey began 43 years ago when she was called to the Nigerian Bar.

He said, “Justice Kekere-Ekun is the second woman to hold this position in Nigeria’s history, succeeding Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, who served as CJN from 2012 to 2014.

“Justice Kekere-Ekun has made significant strides throughout her career, including serving as a Life Bencher and as president of the International Association of Women Judges.

“She advanced from Senior Magistrate Grade II in the Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989 to High Court Judge in July 1996 and was appointed to the Supreme Court as its 5th female justice on July 8, 2013. Her career reflects a remarkable trajectory of judicial excellence.”

The statement further noted that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas “expressed the readiness of the 10th House to work with the judiciary under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership to deepen Nigeria’s democracy.”

While wishing the acting CJN a successful tenure, the Speaker urged her to “uphold the principles of fairness and justice in undertaking this serious national assignment.”

Speaker Abbas also commended Justice Ariwoola for his efforts towards reforming the judicial arm of government and wished him a happy retirement.

Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Mamudu Abdullahi (APC, Niger), said, “Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment as Acting CJN is a historic and well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contributions to our judiciary.

“Her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to justice have set a high standard for judicial excellence. We celebrate this milestone and eagerly anticipate her leadership and impartiality as she undertakes this pivotal role.”

The Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun), also noted that “Justice Kekere-Ekun’s ascent to the role of Acting CJN stands as a testament to her exemplary service and leadership within the Nigerian judiciary.

“Her journey from a Senior Magistrate to the highest echelons of the Supreme Court is truly inspiring. We trust that her tenure will continue to advance the cause of justice in Nigeria.”