Kekere-Ekun sworn in as CJN

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been sworn in as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Kekere-Ekun took the oath of office at about 11:38 am and immediately proceeded to her rightful sitting position on the left-hand side of the President at exactly 11:45 am.

The ceremony took place at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, even as Kekere-Ekun will hold the office in acting capacity pending her confirmation by the Senate.

In attendance were the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Professor Julius Ihonvbere; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu; the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola and justices of the Supreme Court.

Also present were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

Kekere-Ekun was nominated and presented to President Tinubu by the National Judicial Council (NJC) on August 15.

With her swearing-in, Kekere-Ekun became the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar.