Nigerian Leader Vows To Uphold Judiciary Independence

 Temitope Mustapha, Abuja

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Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the independence and sanctity of the judiciary.

The President pledged on Monday at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, while swearing in Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun, as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.

President Tinubu underscored the pivotal role of the judiciary in safeguarding Nigeria’s constitutional democracy saying the Nigerian judiciary at various times, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring all citizens remain in check.

”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.”

  

 The Nigerian Leader further stated that his administration will be mindful of the existing separation of powers among the organs of government while working with the judiciary as the complementing component of the government.

”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 added.

President Tinubu reiterated his government’s dedication to improving judicial officers’ welfare and working conditions, noting recent decisions to enhance their effectiveness in administering justice.

He urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to continue upholding the principles of ethical leadership, fearlessness, and honesty that have defined her career.

”The Nigerian judiciary needs a leader with these qualities at this time, and I have no doubt that you will set the pace for others to follow,” he said.

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, ” he said.

Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun took the oath of office on Monday as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), becoming the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history following her confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

The President commended the Senate for expediting the confirmation of the new CJN and thanked members of the judiciary for their continued support.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, justices of the Supreme Court, senior judicial officers, and members of the Federal Executive Council attended the event.

Four former chief justices of the Federation, including the first female Justice, Aloma Mukhtar, the President of the Court of Appeal, and other heads of the judiciary divisions witnessed the event.

Meanwhile, the former Chief Justice of Nigeria and the first female CJN, Aloma Muktar, advised the newly sworn-in Chief Justice, Kudirat Kekere Ekun, to be firm and to hold on to God while she follows the right paths as inspired by God.

“Well, I will tell her to hold on to God and to try and follow whatever path, which I am sure will be the right path, she should follow it, and if at any time she has a problem or a challenge, she should pray over it and God seeing that she always follows the right path, will make the situation clear to her. 

 

“Asked how she thinks Kekere-Ekun should navigate working with politicians, she said “It’s up to her. If she wants to be firm, she will have no problem, but if she decides to be going here, and there, then that is where the problem will start”

 

Aloma Muktar urged women in Nigeria to continue to aspire to attain greater heights in their professions.

 

 “They should be happy, just the way I’m happy. I’ve been looking forward to this day and God has made it possible in my lifetime. So all the women will be happy, I’m sure”.

 

 

Dominica Nwabufo

 

Dominica Nwabufo

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