President Bola Tinubu Monday swore in Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, with a promise not to meddle in the decision-making and processes of the judiciary.
Kekere-Ekun, 64, is the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria. The first was Aloma Mariam Mukhtar who served between 2012–2014, She was present at the ceremony held at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, with three other former chief justices of the Federation.
Speaking at the occasion which was also witnessed by Kekere-Ekun’s husband Akin Kekere-Ekun and the 89-year-old chief justice’s mother, Tinubu said: “The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy.
“Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check.
” Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged.
”For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary.
”While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under my watch, the government will also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us.
”We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy.”
The President lauded Justice Kekere-Ekun’s rise as a testament to hard work and an inspiration to women, particularly young girls, in a male-dominated profession.
”This day has also cemented the judiciary as a self-evolving and progressive institution. I specifically congratulate the Nigerian women. Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true. It is worth celebrating,” Tinubu added.
