We’ll continue to promote rule of law, administration of justice – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Friday said his administration would continue to promote the rule of law and ease the administration of justice.
The President said this during the swearing in of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) pending confirmation by the Senate at the State House, Abuja.
“We will continue to ease the administration of justice and promote the rule of law in Nigeria.
“This consideration informed the expedited passage by the NASS and my consent to Judicial Office Holder Act of 2024, which approved a 300 per cent increase in remuneration of judicial officers,” said Tinubu.
He said this came on the heels of the appointment of 11 Justices of the Supreme Court in the December 2023, which enabled the Supreme Court to attain its gull complement of 21 Justices for the first time in decades.
“Let me also reassure you that the judicial under this administration will continue to recieve prompt and adequate attention in recognising its status as a driver of social order, rule of law, peace, security and economic development.
Undoubtedly the position of the CJN comes with enormous responsibilities. It is a position of considerable influence that demands temperance and sobriety.
“The occupant must show the highest level of integrity in the discharge of duties. This is moreso because of the finality of the Supreme Court judgement.
“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 always promote the course of Justice, strengthen mechanism for integrity, discipline and transparency and pursue other reforms to sustain public confidence in the judiciary,” Tinubu charged Kekere-Ekun.
The President said Kekere-Ekun assumed the position of CJN with admirable family and professional pedigree, and that she had established a respectable and incorruptible reputation within the bar and the bench.
“Your meritorious rise from magistrate to justice of the Supreme Court is a testament to your exceptional talent, hard work and unblemished record and dedication to your calling.
“Your sterling contributions to the growth of Nigeria and Nigerian judiciary, our legal system, have been remarkable,” said Tinubu.
He said Kekere-Ekun’s ascension to the position of CJN was a beacon of hope for the young women that were aspiring to break the glass ceiling and make meaningful impact in the society.
“You a rare one and one of the few, if not the only one, that practiced in every court as a lawyer, magistrate, high court judge, court of appeal and the Supreme Court,” he said.
The President also said Nigeria’s Supreme Court had come a long way since it was empowered by the 1963 Republican Constitution to take over from the then Judicial Committee of Privy Council as the highest court in the country’s judicial hierarchy.
He said since then it had played a critical role in the evolution of the country, resolving complex legal conflicts even under the military and reshaping public policy that impacted all segments of Nigerian society.
He said he expected the apex court to continue to play a critical role in the evolution of constitutional democracy and shape policies that would impact all segments of the Nigerian society.
The President also thanked Juctice kayode Ariwoola for his 33 years of dignified and honorable service to the judiciary and the country.
“I pray that you will enjoy retirement in good health, and hope you are not too tired to serve in any other capacity where your experience and expertise will be called upon as we continue to build the nation of our highest dreams,” said the President.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State thanked President Tinubu who he said had to cut short his trip to France ensure that there was no vacuum.
“He has shown the importance and the strategic relevance of the judiciary to ensure that we have a new Chief Justice of the Federation, albeit in an acting capacity, within 24 hours.
“She will be the second female Chief Justice of the Federation, and we’re excited not just because she’s a Lagosian, but because of who she is,” said the governor.
Kekere-Ekun promised to take the judiciary to higher heights, by improving on its reputation, and make sure that people have more confidence in the judiciary.
“I believe that it’s not a one man job, we all have to be on board, and because we all see the areas that need improvement, I believe that there will be 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, we’re all members of the society.
“So, if you want to see improvement, let the improvement start with each and every one of us and our approach to justice. Let us also have faith in the system,” she said.
Newsspecng.com reports that Kekere-Edun is the 23rd and second female CJN of Nigeria after Justice Aloma Mukhtar who served from 2012 to 2014.
Kekere-Ekun was born on May 7, 1958 in London, United Kingdom.
In 1980, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Lagos and was admitted to the Nigeria Bar on July 10, 1981.
She proceeded to the London School of Economics where she bagged a master’s degree in Law in November 1983.
Kekere-Ekun joined the Lagos State Judiciary as Senior Magistrate II and rose to the position of the State High Court Judge.
She served as Chairman of Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja between November 1996 to May 1999, among several key positions.