Justice Kekere-Ekun’s journey to the apex of the Nigerian judiciary has been marked by a series of remarkable achievements. She began her legal career in the private sector, honing her skills as a legal practitioner before transitioning to the public sphere. Her rise through the ranks of the judiciary has been nothing short of impressive, with appointments to the High Court of Lagos State, the Court of Appeal, and ultimately, the Supreme Court
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s legal landscape, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been sworn in as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), ushering in a new era of leadership for the country’s judiciary. This historic event, which took place at the State House Council Chambers, comes on the heels of the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who served with distinction for over a decade.
The ascension of Justice Kekere-Ekun to the highest judicial office in the land is a testament to her unwavering dedication, legal acumen, and commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness. With a rich tapestry of experience spanning the judiciary, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a keen understanding of the unique challenges facing the Nigerian legal system.
A Storied Judicial Career
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s journey to the apex of the Nigerian judiciary has been marked by a series of remarkable achievements. She began her legal career in the private sector, honing her skills as a legal practitioner before transitioning to the public sphere. Her rise through the ranks of the judiciary has been nothing short of impressive, with appointments to the High Court of Lagos State, the Court of Appeal, and ultimately, the Supreme Court.
Throughout her illustrious career, Justice Kekere-Ekun has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to the rule of law and her tireless efforts to strengthen the foundation of the Nigerian legal system. Her appointment as CJN is a testament to the trust and confidence placed in her by the country’s leadership, who have entrusted her with the responsibility of steering the judiciary through a crucial period in the nation’s history.
Addressing the Challenges
In his farewell speech, the outgoing CJN, Justice Ariwoola, highlighted the pressing issues facing the judiciary, chief among them the daunting backlog of cases that continue to plague the Supreme Court. He emphasized the urgent need to address this challenge, stressing that the right to fair hearing can only be guaranteed when litigants and lawyers do not have to wait for years to have their cases adjudicated.
Justice Ariwoola’s concerns were echoed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who underscored the government’s commitment to modernizing and enhancing the efficiency of the justice sector. Fagbemi pledged that the federal government would work tirelessly to eradicate the obstacles that have hindered the judiciary’s progress, including through measures such as the recent 300% salary increment for judicial officers.
A Promising Future
As Justice Kekere-Ekun takes the helm of the Nigerian judiciary, her tenure is poised to be marked by a renewed focus on strengthening the rule of law, improving access to justice, and fostering a more efficient and effective legal system. With the unwavering support of the government and a steadfast commitment to her duties, the new CJN is well-positioned to lead the judiciary into a new era of excellence and stability.
The swearing-in of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria is a momentous occasion, one that holds the promise of a brighter future for the country’s legal landscape. As she embarks on this pivotal journey, the nation eagerly awaits the transformative impact she will undoubtedly have on the Nigerian judiciary and the pursuit of justice for all.