Tinubu urges new Acting CJN to defend judiciary’s independence
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu has called on the newly appointed acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to uphold the independence of the judiciary and remain committed to the Nigerian Constitution.
The President made this appeal during the swearing-in ceremony held on Friday at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who has become the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria in an acting capacity, was encouraged by President Tinubu to approach her duties with temperance, sobriety, and integrity. He emphasized the judiciary’s critical role in safeguarding democracy and ensuring the rule of law.
“Always promote the cause of justice,” Tinubu said. “Strengthen the mechanisms for integrity, discipline, and transparency in the judiciary, and pursue or initiate reforms to sustain public confidence.”
The President urged the apex court to advance Nigeria’s laws to better serve modern-day Nigerians, quoting the words of the US Supreme Court’s first African-American Justice, Thurgood Marshall: “The Constitution is not a static document but rather a living instrument that must be adapted to the changing needs of society.”
“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,” he added.
President Tinubu assured that his administration would continue to support the judiciary to improve its welfare and capacity, ease the administration of justice, and promote the rule of law in Nigeria.
“This commitment 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 reiterated that the judiciary would receive all necessary support to advance Nigeria’s democracy and urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to exercise “the highest level of integrity” in discharging her duties, as the ultimate responsibility rests with her.
“Let me also reassure you that the judiciary, under this administration, will continue to receive prompt and adequate attention to realize 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,” Tinubu explained.
