THE newly sworn in acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has vowed to restore the trust of Nigerians in the country’s judicial system, saying, though, that such a task would not be hers alone, but the collective duty of all Nigerians.
Speaking at her swearing-in ceremony as the 23rd (acting) CJN at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, Kekere-Ekun, who would function in acting capacity, pending confirmation by the Senate, noted: “We will take the judiciary to new heights. We will improve its reputation and ensure that people have greater confidence in the judiciary.
“I believe that it is not a one-person job; we all have to be involved, because we all recognise the areas that need improvement. I believe there will be cooperation, because we all want to see a better judiciary.”
She stated that her administration would reform the appointment process for judicial officers, promising a better judiciary by the end of her tenure, adding: “We’ll also be more particular about the process of appointments, which is a significant concern.
“This is one of the aspects we will address, and I believe that by the grace of God, by the end of my tenure, we will have a judiciary we can all be proud of. A better judiciary benefits the entire nation; whatever shortcomings we see today, our duty is to improve as members of society.
“So, if you want to see improvement, let it start with each of us and our approach to justice. Let us all also have faith in the system.”
Kekere-Ekun, 66, succeeded Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday, August 22, at the mandatory age of 70.
The ceremony was attended by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha; and his successor, Senator George Akume.
Others include Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Justice Ariwoola; former Supreme Court Justice, Justice Mary Odili; former CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed; some Justices of the Supreme Court; members of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
