By Joke Kujenya
NIGERIA’s JUDICIARY stands at a pivotal moment as Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun takes on the role of Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria,
She was saddled with the responsibility to uphold the constitution and restore public trust in the judicial system.
The brief yet significant ceremony took place on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.
At exactly 11:38 am, Justice Kekere-Ekun took the judicial oath of office, marking the beginning of her tenure as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria, albeit in an acting capacity.
This appointment follows President Tinubu’s return from a working visit to France, where national issues dominated discussions.
President Tinubu, in his address, stressed the critical role of the judiciary in upholding the constitution and advancing justice.
He called on Justice Kekere-Ekun to lead with unwavering integrity, emphasizing the importance of transparency, discipline, and loyalty to the law.
Tinubu noted that the position of Chief Justice carries significant influence, given the finality of Supreme Court decisions, and urged her to exercise her duties with the highest standards of integrity.
Following the ceremony, Justice Kekere-Ekun posed for photographs with President Tinubu, her family, and key government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the leadership of the National Assembly.
The event drew the attendance of notable figures such as the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Also present were the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu, along with twenty-one Justices of the Supreme Court, including the immediate past Chief Justice, Justice Kayode Ariwoola, attended the swearing-in.
Second Female Jurist Assumes Office
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the second female jurist to serve as Chief Justice of Nigeria, follows in the footsteps of Justice Mariam Mukhtar Aloma, who held the position from July 2012 to November 2014.
Born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, Kekere-Ekun’s legal journey began at the University of Lagos, where she earned her law degree in 1980.
After completing her education at the Nigerian Law School, she was called to the Bar on July 10, 1981.
Her academic pursuits continued at the London School of Economics, where she earned a Master of Law in November 1983.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s judicial career started as a Senior Magistrate II in the Lagos State Judiciary, where she later rose to the position of State High Court Judge.
She also chaired the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, from November 1996 to May 1999.
Her contributions to the judiciary were recognized in 2004 when she was appointed to the Court of Appeal.
In his remarks, President Tinubu charged Justice Kekere-Ekun with the responsibility of enhancing the judicial framework, stressing that the judiciary must reflect integrity and fairness in all its dealings.
He reminded her that the nation expects the Supreme Court to play a crucial role in shaping policies that impact every segment of Nigerian society.
The President also assured that his administration would continue to support the judiciary, emphasizing that the welfare and capacity of judicial officers would be prioritized.
This commitment was demonstrated by the recent passage of the Judicial Office Holders Act of 2024, which approved a 300 percent increase in the remuneration of judicial officers.
Tinubu urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to embrace the wisdom of late Justice Thurgood Marshall, who viewed the constitution as a living document that must evolve with society’s needs.
He called on the judiciary to continue its critical role in Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, shaping policies that benefit all citizens.
Governor Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos State, who attended the ceremony, highlighted the promptness of Kekere-Ekun’s appointment, noting it as a testament to the administration’s recognition of the judiciary’s strategic importance.
He praised the seamless transition of power within the judiciary, which ensures that Nigeria’s democracy continues to thrive with a clear separation of powers.
New CJN Promises Trust in Nigeria’s Judiciary
After taking her oath, Justice Kekere-Ekun expressed her commitment to improving the judiciary’s reputation and increasing public confidence in the judicial process.
She acknowledged the need for reforms and expressed her readiness to work with other government branches to enhance the sector.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that a better judiciary benefits the entire nation and called for collective efforts to address shortcomings.
She also stressed the importance of starting these improvements within the judiciary itself and urged Nigerians to maintain faith in the system.
Moreover, she highlighted that recruitment and appointment processes would be a key focus of her tenure, aiming to build a judiciary that would make all Nigerians proud.
