BY ANTHONY OCHELA
President Bola Tinubu has urged the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to defend the judiciary’s independence and remain loyal solely to the constitution.
He also encouraged the CJN to exercise temperance and sobriety in discharging her duties, vowing to give prompt and adequate attention to the institution to realise its full potentials.
President Tinubu gave the charge yesterday in Abuja when he swore in Justice Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.
The president, who returned to the country from France in the early hours of yesterday, said, “I, therefore, urge Your Lordship to be faithful and loyal to the constitution of Nigeria. I also encourage you to defend the independence of the judiciary.
“Always promote the course of justice. Strengthen the mechanisms for integrity, discipline and transparency in the judiciary, and pursue or initiate reforms to sustain public confidence.”
Quoting the words of the US Supreme Court’s first African-American Justice, Thurgood Marshall, who said, “The constitution is not a static document but rather a living instrument that must be adapted to the changing needs of society,” the president urged the apex court to advance Nigeria’s laws to better serve modern-day Nigerians.
“We expect the apex court to continue to play a critical role in the evolution of our constitutional democracy and shape public policies that impact all segments of the society.
“I want to assure you that my administration will continue to provide appropriate support to improve the welfare and capacity of the judiciary, ease the administration of justice and promote the rule of law in Nigeria.
“This focus informed the expedited passage of the National Assembly and my consent to the Judicial Office Holders Act of 2024 which approved a 300 percent increase in the remuneration of judicial officers. This followed the appointment of 11 justices of the Supreme Court in December 2023, enabling it to attain its full complement of 21 justices for the first time in decades.”
The NJC had, on August 15, after its 106th meeting, recommended Kekere-Ekun to the president to replace the out gone CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Announcing its decision, the council said, “NJC, at its 106th meeting presided over by Justice Ariwoola, who steps down today, recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to President Tinubu for appointment as the CJN.”
She succeeds Ariwoola, who assumed office on June 27, 2022, and stepped down on Thursday upon reaching the statutory retirement age of 70.
At 66, Kekere-Ekun is expected to serve until her retirement in 2028. She assumes office in an acting capacity pending her confirmation by the Senate.
The ceremony was also attended by the retired CJN, members of the National Judicial Council and the Nigerian Bar Association, among others.
