BREAKING: PRES. TINUBU SWEARS IN JUSTICE KEKERE-EKUN AS ACTING CJ OF NIGERIA

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Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been sworn in as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, pending senate approval.

President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Friday following a quick work visit to France, and her swearing-in coincided with that.

On Friday morning, the President arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and departed for France on Monday.

President Tinubu, who had to postpone his trip to France, is set to install Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria this morning in the state house’s Council Chambers.

Justice Kekere-Ekun will succeed Judge Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday at the age of 70.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, said the President also congratulated Ariwoola, whose stint in the judiciary he described as a “successful public service career,” commending him for his services to the nation.

“President Bola Tinubu congratulates Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, as he retires as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a successful public service career,” the statement read.

“President Tinubu will swear in Justice Ariwoola’s successor at the State House Council Chambers on August 23, 2024.

“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.”

Prior to being appointed to the Supreme Court in 2011, Justice Ariwoola held positions as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in the divisions located in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos.

On September 21, 2022, former President Muhammadu Buhari swore him in as Chief Justice of Nigeria. He has previously served the country in a variety of judicial officer roles.

President Tinubu was advised by the National Judicial Council (NJC) last week to appoint Justice Kekere-Ekun as Ariwoola’s replacement.

Soji Oye, the NJC spokesman, revealed this in a statement and stated that the decision was made after the Council’s 106th Meeting, which was chaired by CJN Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

“This is imperative as Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, will formally bow out of office as the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria next week Thursday, 22 August 2024,” the statement read.

There are 21 justices on the Supreme Court at the moment. Following the long-standing custom of the highest court, the next senior justice shall assume the role.

As the most senior justice on the bench of the Supreme Court according to their hierarchies, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is positioned to succeed Justice Ariwoola.

One of the most esteemed female justices on the country’s highest court is Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

On May 7, 1958, the 66-year-old judge was born. In 1981, she was admitted to the Nigerian bar after receiving her legal degree from the University of Lagos.

After that, in November 1983, she continued on to the London School of Economic and Political Science to earn an LL.M.

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s legal career started in Lagos as a private lawyer from 1985 to 1989.

In December 1989, she was appointed a Senior Magistrate Grade II, Lagos State Judiciary. She later became a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State on July 19, 1996 and served as Chairman Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos from November 1996 to May 1999.

Kekere-Ekun was elevated to the Court of Appeal on 22nd September 2004 where she served in various Divisions of the Court and as presiding Justice of two Divisions of the Court (Makurdi & Akure).

She was elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria as the 5th female Justice of the Court and was sworn in on Monday 8 July 2013.

The incoming CJN has attended numerous courses and seminars within and outside Nigeria and also received several merit awards.

Currently, she is a life Bencher and a member of the International Association of Women Judges and currently its President.

She is happily married with children

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