President Bola Tinubu is set to swear in the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, today Friday 23rd of August, 2024 at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. The ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m.
President Tinubu returned to Nigeria from France on Thursday evening, cutting short his private visit to the European nation specifically for this important national duty. The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development, stating, “The President is breaking his private visit to France and arriving today (Thursday) so that he can swear in the Chief Justice of Nigeria tomorrow (Friday).”
President Tinubu had departed Abuja for France on Monday for what was described by the Presidency as a “brief work stay.” While the reason and duration of the visit were not disclosed, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, had previously announced that the President would return to Nigeria after his brief stay in France.
In a statement on Thursday, Ngelale conveyed the President’s appreciation to the outgoing CJN, Justice OluKayode Ariwoola, and revealed that the swearing-in of his successor would take place on August 23, 2024. Justice Ariwoola, who assumed office on June 27, 2022, retired on Thursday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) had last week recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun for the position of CJN at its meeting held on August 14 and 15, 2024. Justice Kekere-Ekun, the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, will serve as the acting CJN pending her confirmation by the Senate. At 66 years old, she is expected to serve until her retirement in 2028.
In his farewell message to the retired CJN, President Tinubu lauded Justice Ariwoola for his over three-decade-long public service career, praising his contributions to the nation’s judiciary. Tinubu acknowledged Ariwoola’s impactful leadership, his role in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, and his efforts in strengthening the rule of law.
