By Olawale Lamina
Following her appointment by the President, on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, NJC, and subject to the confirmation of the Senate, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is expected to be sworn-in today as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s new role became possible as Justice Kayode Ariwoola retired from office as 22nd Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN onn 22 November 2011, he…
The now retired CJN, was elevated to the bench of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on 22 November 2011 and got appointed as substantive CJN on 27 June 2022. He was formally confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on 21 September 2022. At a valedictory court session held in his honour at the Supreme Court, Ariwoola emphasized that the Supreme Court he is leaving behind is overburdened by delayed cases.
The New CJN, Justice Kekere-Ekun before her nomination by the NJC was the most senior Justice of the apex Court.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently out of the country on a trip to France, would have been performing the swearing in of the new CJN, but in his absence, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima may stand in for him to perform the ceremony.
But, President Tinubu, in a congratulatory message to Justice Ariwoola acknowledged his impact on the judiciary, stating that his efforts enhanced the Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as strengthened the fibre of the law.
A statement made available by Tinubu’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, noted that 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 has since being sworn in subsequently in 2022 served the nation in various capacities as the chief judicial officer.
The statement read in part: “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.
“The President thanks Justice Ariwoola and wishes him the very best for the future.
“President Tinubu will swear in Justice Ariwoola’s successor at the State House Council Chambers on August 23, 2024.”
The task before Kekere-Ekun, among others, will be that of ensuring expeditious dispensation of justice, to remove the bottlenecks in the way of justice delivery in the country.
About The Author
