President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Acting Chief justice of Nigeria pending senate approval.
Her swearing-in followed President Bola Tinubu’s return to Abuja on Friday after a trip to France on a brief work visit.
The President, who arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the early hours of Friday, left for France on Monday.
Tinubu cut short his trip to France to swear in the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun this morning at the Council Chambers in the state House.
Upon Senate approval, Justice Kekere-Ekun will succeed Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who bowed out on Thursday after clocking the retirement age of 70 years.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, who disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday, said the President also congratulated Ariwoola, whose stint in the judiciary he described as a “successful public service career,” commending him for his services to the nation.
“President Bola Tinubu congratulates Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, as he retires as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a successful public service career,” the statement read.
“President Tinubu commends the eminent jurist for his services to the nation, noting his impactful leadership of the judiciary and his efforts in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as in strengthening the fibre of the law.”
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun signs a document after taking her oath of office as the Chief Justice of Nigeria at the State House, Abuja on August 23, 2024.
Justice Ariwoola had served as Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011.
He was sworn in as Chief Justice of Nigeria on September 21, 2022, by former President Muhammadu Buhari and has also served the nation in diverse capacities as a judicial officer.
NJC’s recommendation
The National Judicial Council (NJC) had last week recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to President Tinubu as Ariwoola’s successor.
NJC spokesman, Soji Oye, who disclosed this in a statement, had said the decision was taken following the Council’s 106th Meeting presided over by the CJN Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
“This is imperative as Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, will formally bow out of office as the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria next week Thursday, 22 August 2024,” the statement read.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun shakes President Bola Tinubu after taking her oath of office as the Chief Justice of Nigeria at the State House, Abuja on August 23, 2024.
The Supreme Court currently has the full complement of 21 Justices. In the long tradition of the apex court, the next most senior Justice will step in.
By their hierarchies, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is the most senior Justice on the apex court bench which puts her in the position to succeed Justice Ariwoola
