President Bola Tinubu on Friday administered the oath of office on Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
She will operate in acting capacity until her due confirmation by the Senate.
Justice Kekere-Ekun took her oaths at about 11:38am at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja and took her rightful sitting position in the Council Chambers on the left handside of the President at exactly 11:45am.
She is assuming her new role as CJN following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and her nomination and presentation to President Tinubu by the National Judicial Council (NJC) on August 15, 2024.
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Justice Kekere-Ekun, is the second Nigerian female jurist to serve as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who was the Chief Justice of Nigeria from July 2012 and November, 2014.
President Tinubu speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, urged Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to be faithful and loyal to the constitution and defend the judiciary’s independence.
He assured that his administration will continue to support, and improve the welfare and capacity of the Nigerian Judiciary.
“Let me also reassure you that the judicial under this administration will continue to receive prompt and adequate attention in recognising its status as a driver of social order, rule of law, peace security and economic development
“Undoubtedly the position of the CJN comes with enormous responsibilities as the head of all judicial Institutions in the country. It is a position of considerable influence that demands temperance and sobriety, the occupant must eschew the highest level of integrity in the discharge of duties.
“This is more so because of the finality of the Supreme Court judgement. I therefore urge your lordship to be faithful and loyal to the constitution when discharging your duty as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria”
Among those who witnessed the event were other Justices of the nation’s apex Court; the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; the leadership of the House of Representatives, represented by House Leader, Hon Julius Ihonbvere; the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu; and immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Also present at were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
