President Bola Tinubu has urged the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to be “faithful and loyal to the constitution” while discharging her duty.
Tinubu also enjoined the acting CJN to defend the independence of the judiciary and promote the cause of justice.
The president said this while administering the oath of office on Justice Kekere-Ekun as the acting CJN, pending her confirmation by the Senate, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, August 23, 2024.
Justice Kekere-Ekun was sworn in as the 23rd CJN and the second female justice to hold the office.
President Tinubu emphasised the importance of strengthening mechanisms that will uphold and enhance integrity, discipline, and transparency in the judiciary.
He said: “Undoubtedly, the position of the Chief Justice of Nigeria 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 of the office must exude the highest level of integrity in the discharge of their duties. This is more so because of the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgments.
Tinubu swears in Justice Kekere-Ekun as acting CJN
“I, therefore, urge your Lordship to be faithful and loyal to the constitution when discharging your duty as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.
“I also encourage you to defend the judiciary’s independence and always promote the cause of justice. It is vital that you strengthen all mechanisms for integrity, discipline, and transparency in the judicial sector, and pursue other reforms or initiatives to sustain and build public confidence in the judiciary.”
Tinubu also lauded the contributions of Justice Kekere-Ekun to the judiciary, noting that she is coming to the position with an admirable family and professional pedigree.
President Tinubu described the appointment of the acting CJN as an inspiration and a beacon of hope to young women who aspire to break glass ceilings across sectors and seek to make a meaningful impact on society.
Reflecting on the roles and evolution of the Nigerian Supreme Court since it was empowered by the 1963 Constitution to take over from the then Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as the highest court, Tinubu noted that the court has played a critical role in resolving complex legal conflicts, even under the military.
He acknowledged the role of the Supreme Court in shaping public policies that impact all segments of society, citing the recent interpretation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) regarding the financial autonomy of local councils in Nigeria.
President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the immediate past CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, commending him for his 32 years of service to the judiciary and the nation.
Speaking to the media after the swearing-in, Justice Kekere-Ekun pledged to elevate the judiciary to new heights, improve its reputation, and sustain public confidence in the judicial system.
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