President Bola Tinubu has called on Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the newly inaugurated acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), to strengthen mechanisms that promote integrity and transparency within the judiciary.
Tinubu made this appeal on Friday during Kekere-Ekun’s swearing-in, making her the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history, following Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served from July 2012 to November 2014.
The president praised Kekere-Ekun’s distinguished career, noting that her steady rise from magistrate to Supreme Court justice is a testament to her talent and dedication.
“The position of the CJN carries enormous responsibilities as the head of all judicial institutions in the country,” Tinubu said.
“It is a role of significant influence that requires temperance, sobriety, and the highest level of integrity, especially given the finality of Supreme Court judgments.”
Tinubu urged Kekere-Ekun to remain faithful to the constitution and to uphold the independence of the judiciary.
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He encouraged her to continue promoting justice, strengthening the judiciary’s mechanisms for integrity, discipline, and transparency, and pursuing reforms that would sustain public confidence in the judicial system.
The president also assured that his administration would continue to support the judiciary, improving its welfare, enhancing the administration of justice, and upholding the rule of law.
Kekere-Ekun takes over from Olukayode Ariwoola, the immediate past CJN, who retired on August 22 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Her appointment as CJN will require confirmation by the Senate, in accordance with Section 231, Subsection 1 of the Constitution.