National Telescope national telescope newspaper
President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), pending her confirmation by the Senate.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja.
At precisely 11:40 am, Justice Kekere-Ekun took the oath of office, administered by President Tinubu, and subsequently signed the oath register, formally marking her assumption of the role.
She succeeds Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. Justice Ariwoola had held the position since June 27, 2022.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment as CJN is a significant milestone, following her distinguished career in the judiciary, which has earned her respect and recognition across the legal community in Nigeria.
Her tenure as the CJN will officially commence once the Senate confirms her appointment, a process expected to proceed without delay.
As the new CJN, Justice Kekere-Ekun will be responsible for overseeing the Nigerian judiciary, including the Supreme Court, where she has served as a Justice since 2013. Her vast experience and profound legal acumen are anticipated to bring a steady hand to the nation’s highest court.
The retirement of Justice Ariwoola marks the end of his impactful tenure, during which he contributed to various landmark rulings and played a crucial role in the judiciary’s development.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, with her reputation for integrity and judicial excellence, is expected to build on these foundations and guide the judiciary through the evolving legal landscape in Nigeria.
This transition in leadership within the judiciary comes at a critical time for Nigeria, with many expecting Justice Kekere-Ekun to uphold the principles of justice and the rule of law, ensuring that the judiciary remains independent and impartial.
Her leadership is anticipated to be marked by a continued commitment to upholding the constitution and delivering fair and timely justice to all Nigerians.
With her swearing-in, Justice Kekere-Ekun becomes the second woman to occupy the prestigious position of Chief Justice of Nigeria, further highlighting the progress and evolving role of women in the country’s judiciary.
