New CJN, Kekere-Ekun Promises to Ensure Confidence in the Judiciary as Tinubu Administers Oath of Office
Zainab Tanimu
Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria
The New Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has promised to ensure confidence in the judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun made this promise during her swearing in ceremony by President Tinubu, yesterday at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who is the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, is the second female to hold this esteemed position. She is the 23rd CJN of the Apex Court.
She emphasized that improving the Judiciary is a collective responsibility, requiring cooperation from everyone.
Justice Kekere-Ekun called for the support and cooperation of every Nigerian to build confidence in the institution
Her words: ”We will make sure that people have more confidence in the judiciary, and I believe that it is not a one-man job. We all have to be on board because we all see the areas that are in need of improvement.
”I believe that there will be maximum cooperation because we all want to see a better judiciary.
”A better judiciary is for the benefit of the entire nation. Whatever the shortcomings that we see today are, we are all members of the society so, if we want to see a better society, if we want to see improvement, let the improvement start with each and every one of us and our approach to justice.
”Let us all have faith in the system and then also be particular about the process of appointment, I know it is a source of a lot of concern; the issue of discipline on the bench and at the bar as well.
”All of these things are aspects that we will look into and I believe that by the grace of God, at the end of my tenure, we should be able to have a judiciary that we will all be proud of.”
President Tinubu commending the new CJN during the swearing in ceremony noted her unique distinction of having practiced in every court as a lawyer, Magistrate, High Court Judge, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court Judge.
He urged her to defend the judiciary’s independence, ensure integrity, and transparency, promote justice, and pursue reforms to sustain public confidence in the judiciary.
His words: “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 the temperance sobriety, the occupant must espouse the highest level of integrity in the discharge of duties.
“This is moreso because of the finality of the Supreme Court’s 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.
President Tinubu acknowledging her contributions and her doggedness in the pursuit of her career could not but showered her with encomium.
”Over the years, she has established a respectable and incorruptible reputation within the bar and the bench, which asserts the cause of justice.
”Her meritorious rise from a magistrate to justice of the Supreme Court is a testament to her exceptional talent, hard work, unblemished record, strong work ethic, and dedication to her calling as a priest in the temple of justice.
”Her sterling contribution to the growth of the Nigerian judiciary has been remarkable. We are inspired by her unwavering commitment to a higher ideal of upholding the principles of fairness and a strong commitment to humanity.
”Justice Kekere-Ekun is a brilliant lawyer who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981. She’s now a trailblazer becoming the second woman to hold this esteemed position after Honourable Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, GCON.”
Her ascension is seen as a beacon of hope for young women aspiring to break the glass ceiling and make a meaningful impact on society. He said .
Kekere-Ekun succeeds Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired recently, after attaining the mandatory age of 70 years.
