Newly sworn-in Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun said on Friday that she will seek to improve on the process of appointments in the nation’s judiciary, hence, it is “a source of a lot of concern”.
‘’Let us all have faith in the system and then also be particular about the process of appointment, I know it is a source of a lot of concern, the issue of discipline on the bench and at the bar as well.
‘’All of these things are aspects that we will look into, and I believe that by the grace of God, at the end of my tenure, we should be able to have a judiciary that we will all be proud of,’’ said Kekere-Ekun.
Speaking to journalists after her swearing-in, the Ag CJN also pledged to elevate the judiciary to new heights, improve its reputation, and sustain public confidence in the judicial system.
‘’We will make sure that people have more confidence in the judiciary, and I believe that it is not a one-man job. We all have to be on board because we all see the areas that are in need of improvement.
‘’I believe that there will be maximum cooperation because we all want to see a better judiciary.
‘’A better judiciary is for the benefit of the entire nation. Whatever the shortcomings that we see today are, we are all members of the society so, if we want to see a better society, if we want to see improvement, let the improvement start with each and every one of us and our approach to justice”, she said.
Justice Kekere-Ekun was sworn-in by President Bola Tinubu as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria and the second female justice to hold the office.
During the event which held at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, the president urged the acting CJN to defend the independence of the judiciary and promote the cause of justice.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of strengthening mechanisms that will uphold and enhance integrity, discipline, and transparency in the judiciary.
He said, ‘’Undoubtedly, the position of the Chief Justice of Nigeria comes with enormous responsibilities 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 their duties. This is more so because of the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgments.
‘’I, therefore, urge your Lordship to be faithful and loyal to the Constitution when discharging your duty as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.
‘’I also encourage you to defend the judiciary’s independence and always promote the cause of justice. It is vital that you strengthen all mechanisms for integrity, discipline, and transparency in the judicial sector, and pursue other reforms or initiatives to sustain and build public confidence in the judiciary,’’ the President stated.
Tinubu also lauded the contributions of Justice Kekere-Ekun to the judiciary, noting that she is coming to the position with an admirable family and professional pedigree.
‘’Over the years, she has established a respectable and incorruptible reputation within the bar and the bench, which asserts the cause of justice.
’Her meritorious rise from a magistrate to justice of the Supreme Court is a testament to her exceptional talent, hard work, unblemished record, strong work ethic, and dedication to her calling as a priest in the temple of justice.
‘’Her sterling contribution to the growth of the Nigerian judiciary has been remarkable. We are inspired by her unwavering commitment to a higher ideal of upholding the principles of fairness and a strong commitment to humanity.
‘’Justice Kekere-Ekun is a brilliant lawyer who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981. She’s now a trailblazer becoming the second woman to hold this esteemed position after Honourable Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, GCON,’’ Tinubu said. (With Additional Report by Agency)
