President Bola Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to upholding the independence of Nigeria’s judiciary. He made this pledge during the swearing-in of Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who becomes the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history, assumed the role following her confirmation by the Senate. The ceremony was attended by four former chief justices, including Aloma Mukhtar, Nigeria’s first female CJN, along with the President of the Court of Appeal and other key figures from the judiciary.
In his remarks, President Tinubu highlighted the crucial role of the judiciary in maintaining Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. “The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy,” he stated in a message through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. He praised the judiciary for acting as a stabilizing force during critical moments in the nation’s history, ensuring checks and balances within the system.