President Bola Tinubu has flown back to France today, Friday, August 23, 2024, following a brief return to Nigeria to preside over the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
News About Nigeria reported that Tinubu arrived in Nigeria in the early hours of this morning to preside over the swearing-in of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new CJN.
The swearing-in ceremony of the new CJN took place at 11:38 am at the State House in Abuja.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is the second woman to hold the prestigious position, following Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served as CJN from July 2012 to November 2014.
The new CJN will serve in an acting capacity until her appointment is confirmed by the Senate.
Recall that she was recommended by the National Judicial Council and the recently retired CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Ariwoola officially bowed out of public service yesterday (Thursday) after he reached the 70-year benchmark.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Supreme Court Justices, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives leader Prof. Julius Ihonbvere, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the outgoing CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Presidential Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
During the swearing-in, the President had tasked the new CJN to always defend the judiciary’s independence and remain loyal solely to the Nigerian constitution.
While encouraging the CJN to exercise temperance and sobriety in discharging her duties, the President vowed to give prompt and adequate attention to the institution.
