Tinubu To Swear In Justice Kekere-Ekun As CJN On Friday
President Bola Tinubu is set to swear in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Friday, August 23, 2024. This event follows the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 70. Here’s a brief overview based on the information available up to August 22, 2024:
- Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun will be the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history, following in the footsteps of Mariam Mukhtar. Her appointment was recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) due to her seniority on the Supreme Court bench.
- President Tinubu had to cut short his trip to France to be present for this significant judicial transition, indicating the importance of the ceremony.
- Justice Ariwoola’s Retirement: His tenure as CJN was marked by various contributions to Nigerian jurisprudence, and he was commended by President Tinubu for his service.
- Public Sentiment: There’s a mix of reactions on social platforms like X, with some users highlighting Justice Kekere-Ekun’s past judicial decisions, notably her involvement in the controversial Imo state governorship election ruling.
- Ceremony Details: The swearing-in will take place at the State House Council Chambers in Abuja, marking a new chapter for the Nigerian judiciary.
This transition is not just a change in leadership but also signifies a moment in Nigeria’s judicial history, given Justice Kekere-Ekun’s gender and the implications of her past judicial decisions on her new role.
