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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called on the newly sworn-in Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to defend the judiciary’s independence and uphold the nation’s constitution.
This was even as the president assured the judiciary of the government’s support, particularly in the area of improved welfare.
Tinubu, during the swearing in ceremony of Kekere-Ekun, harped on the enormity of the responsibilities that come with the position of CJN, who is head of all judicial institutions in the country.
He called on Kekere-Ekun to espouse the highest level of integrity, temperance, and sobriety, considering the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgments.
The president further encouraged the acting CJN to defend the judiciary’s independence, promote justice, strengthen mechanisms for integrity, discipline, and transparency, and pursue reforms to sustain public confidence in the judiciary.
Tinubu also hailed the outgone Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, for his 33 years of distinguished service to the judiciary and the nation.
Tinubu charged the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria to remain faithful and loyal to the constitution of Nigeria in the discharge of her duties.
President Tinubu also assured that he would prioritise the development and welfare of the judiciary and its officers, promising prompt and adequate attention to the sector, even as he emphasised the critical role of the apex court in shaping public policies and evolving Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
Speaking to journalists after her swearing in, the acting CJN, Kekere-Ekun, appealed to all Nigerians to collaborate with the Judiciary to achieve the desired change and improve its reputation.
She emphasised that improving the Judiciary is a collective responsibility, requiring cooperation from everyone to build confidence in the institution.
She stressed that a better Judiciary benefits the entire nation and urged individuals to take personal responsibility for seeking justice.
The CJN also highlighted the importance of a rigorous appointment process, discipline on the bench and at the bar, and faith in the system.
She expressed optimism that, with God’s grace, her tenure will yield a Judiciary that Nigerians can proudly behold.
