JUSTICE KEKERE-EKUN WILL SEE JUDICIARY AS GATEKEEPER OF JUSTICE, PROTECTOR OF CITIZENS’ RIGHTS, SAYS SANWO-OLU
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Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, has stated his confidence that Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the country’s new chief justice, will view the judiciary as a gatekeeper of justice, a guardian of citizens’ rights, and a defender of the constitution rather than merely an arm of government.
The Governor said that Justice Kekere-Ekun’s tenure as Nigeria’s Chief Justice will be distinguished by her keen intellect, profound understanding, and steadfast adherence to the law, for which she has earned a lifetime reputation. She added that her rise to the country’s highest judicial position is a powerful testament to the limitless potential of women and the idea that great leadership transcends gender.
At Lagos House, Marina, on Saturday evening, Governor Sanwo-Olu gave a speech at a special dinner honoring Justice Kekere-Ekun, Nigeria’s second female Chief Justice.
Prince Dapo Abiodun, the governor of Ogun State; Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the first lady of Lagos State; Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the deputy governor of Lagos State; Mr. Babatunde Fashola, the former governor of Lagos State and minister of works and housing; Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, the husband of Justice Kekere-Ekun; Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the minister of justice and attorney general of the Federation; judges from the Court of Appeal and state and federal high courts; attorneys; and traditional and political figures were among those who attended the dinner.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the dinner honors Lagos’ role in the evolution of Nigerian jurisprudence, pointing out that Lagos has produced many of the best legal minds Nigeria has seen on the Bar and the Bench. Two Lagosians, Justice Habeeb Abiru of the Supreme Court and Justice Lawal Akapo of the Court of Appeal, were also honored for their recent elevation.
He said, “We celebrate not only your achievements but the significance of your leadership for every woman in Nigeria, for every young girl who dreams of a life of impact. Your ascension speaks powerfully to the boundless potential of women and to the fact that excellence in leadership knows no gender.
“Justice Kekere-Ekun ascension to the highest judicial office in the land tells every young girl, every aspiring woman leader in our nation, that they too can achieve the very best, that they can lead, decide, and redefine what is possible.
“At a time when Nigeria faces many challenges, your leadership of the judiciary is a steadying force and a comforting presence, one that will bring renewed strength to the pursuit of justice, equity, and fairness.
“Beyond the law, you have been a role model for many, embodying dignity, humility, and strength. As you carry forward this sacred duty, may you find strength in your roots, may you draw inspiration from the legacy of all who have come before you, may you raise judicial standards to unprecedented heights, and may you continue to lead with integrity and vision.
“I am pleased to note that Justice Kekere-Ekun has made judicial welfare one of the pillars of her leadership of the Supreme Court, and I have no doubt in my mind that the Lagos reform model will serve as a credible template for national judicial reform. We are indeed proud to have a daughter of Lagos spearheading what will no doubt come to be known as a golden age for the Nigerian judicial system.
“All of us who are in positions of leadership in the three arms of government, as we wine and dine tonight, let us strengthen our resolve to play our part in deepening collaboration, to strengthen this cherished democracy of ours.”
Speaking earlier, Justice Kekere-Ekun, who said she is deeply touched by the show of love by the Lagos State Government, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and the previous governor for their commitment to the judiciary and infrastructure.
As Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Justice Kekere-Ekun pledged to protect people’s rights and guarantee justice and equity. “I did not anticipate being appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria, a position I recently received. In fact, I recognize that I bear a great deal of responsibility. It is an exhortation to guide, uplift, and defend the integrity of our legal system. I’m dedicated to maintaining our judiciary’s high standards, encouraging judicial independence, and creating an atmosphere where the rule of law is upheld,” she declared.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, former Governor Babatunde Fashola, and other speakers also commended Justice Kekere-Ekun for her bravery and high moral standards at the Bar and Bench, particularly during her tenure as a judge at the Supreme Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, and Magistrate Court prior to her appointment as Nigeria’s Chief Justice.
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