Defend Judiciary’s Independence, Tinubu Charges New CJN

President Bola Tinubu has charged the new acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to defend the independence of the judiciary, and promote the cause of justice.

The president stressed that an independent judiciary is crucial for preserving social order, peace and security in the country.

Tinubu gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony at the State House Abuja on Friday.

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun took the oath of office as the acting CJN, pending her confirmation by the Senate.

She was appointed as acting CJN following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

By this, she becomes the 23rd CJN and the second female in history to take the position after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served from July 2012 to November 2014.

According to a statement from the State House, the President underscored how critical it is to strengthen the systems that will preserve and improve the judiciary’s integrity, discipline, and transparency.

While acknowledging that the position of CJN has enormous responsibility as the head of all judicial institutions in the country, the Nigerian leader stated that it “demands temperance and sobriety.”

”The occupant of the office must exude the highest level of integrity in the discharge of their duties. This is more so because of the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgments,” Tinubu observed.

He therefore urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to be faithful and loyal to the Constitution when discharging her duty as the acting CJN.
”I also encourage you to defend the judiciary’s independence and always promote the cause of justice. It is vital that you strengthen all mechanisms for integrity, discipline, and transparency in the judicial sector, and pursue other reforms or initiatives to sustain and build public confidence in the judiciary,” the Tinubu stated.

The president described Justice Kekere-Ekun as one with exceptional talent, hard work, unblemished record of strong work ethic, and dedication to her calling as a priest in the temple of justice, adding that these account for her “meritorious rise from a magistrate to justice of the Supreme Court.”

”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,” he added.

The president also remarked that young women who want to shatter glass ceilings in all fields and have a significant effect on society will find inspiration and hope in the appointment of Justice Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Tinubu further remarked that the Nigerian Supreme Court has played critical roles in resolving complex legal conflicts and shaping public policies that affect all segments of the society. He cited the recent ruling of the apex court on the financial autonomy of local councils in the country.

The president, who cited the recent passage of the Judicial Autonomy Act of 2024, which increased the remuneration of judicial officers by 300 per cent, pledged that his administration will continue to support the judiciary in the improvement of its welfare and capacity.