Defend Judiciary’s Independence– Tinubu Advices Acting CJN Kekere-Ekun

Defend Judiciary’s Independence– Tinubu Advices Acting CJN Kekere-Ekun

President Bola Tinubu emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary in upholding its independence and allegiance to the Nigerian constitution during the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd acting Chief Justice of Nigeria in Abuja.

The President, who returned to the country from France in the early hours of Friday, 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.”

The President emphasized the need to modernize Nigeria’s laws to better serve its citizens, urging the Apex Court to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s constitutional democracy.

He encouraged the apex court to influence public policies that impact all aspects of Nigerian society, ensuring that the legal system remains relevant and effective in addressing the needs of 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 Nigerian 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 per cent increase in the remuneration of judicial officers. This followed the appointment of 11 Justices of the Supreme Court in December 2023, enabling the Court to attain its full complement of 21 justices for the first time in decades.”

Tinubu assured that the judiciary would receive the necessary backing to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic principles.

Therefore, he urged Kekere-Ekun to exercise “the highest level of integrity” in discharging her duties, as the buck stops on her table.

“Let me also reassure you that the judiciary under this administration will continue to receive prompt and adequate attention to realise its purpose as a driver of social order, the rule of law, peace, security, and economic development.

“On that premise, the position of the Chief Justice of Nigeria comes with enormous responsibility as the head of all judicial institutions in the country; it is a position of considerable influence that demands temperance and sobriety.

“The occupant of the office must exude the highest level of integrity in the discharge of duty. This is especially important due to the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgments,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted the significance of Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment at a pivotal moment for upholding the separation of powers in Nigeria.

He explained, “We’re excited, not just because she is a Lagosian like me, but because we have avoided any vacuum in our democracy. That’s the beauty of it. Yesterday, a former CJN stepped down after reaching the statutory age.

“Within 24 hours, the President cut short his trip to ensure that governance and democracy did not stop.

“He has demonstrated the importance and strategic relevance of the judiciary by ensuring that we have a new Chief Justice of the Federation, albeit in an acting capacity, within 24 hours, so that nothing is left to chance. It comes at a time when we all need to ensure that our democracy respects and appreciates the clear separation of powers.”

Following the National Judicial Council’s recommendation and subsequent approval by the President, Justice Kekere-Ekun succeeded Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the acting CJN.

Ariwoola, who assumed office in June 2022, retired upon reaching the mandatory age of 70.

At 66, Justice Kekere-Ekun is expected to serve until 2028 under the acting capacity until her confirmation by the Senate.