…Tinubu to swear in Kekere-Ekun as new CJN Friday
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, retired on Thursday after reaching the mandatory age of 70.
A valedictory court session was held at the Supreme Court in Abuja to honour him.
Sixty-six-year-old Kudirat Kekere-Ekun will succeed him as the 18th CJN.
During the event on Thursday, Mr Ariwoola expressed concerns about the overwhelming number of cases before the Supreme Court.
He noted that many cases could have been resolved at the appellate level, contributing to significant delays.
“The sheer volume of pending cases is a significant impediment to timely justice,” he said.
He noted that prolonged delays have hindered access to justice, impacting litigants and lawyers who often wait years for case adjudication.
He also called for more judicial officers to address the backlog and ensure timely resolutions.
The valedictory ceremony included the public presentation of a book titled ‘Judging With Justice’, celebrating Mr Ariwoola’s contributions to the judiciary.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Ms Kekere-Ekun, judges of the Supreme Court and other courts, among others.
AGF promises judicial reforms
In his address at the valedictory court session, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to judicial reform.
He called for increasing the number of judicial officers to manage the growing caseload effectively and expedite case resolution.
“Timely adjudication is crucial for guaranteeing the right to a fair hearing,” Mr Fagbemi asserted.
The AGF highlighted recent developments in the judicial sector, including a 300 per cent increase in judicial officers’ salaries.
He also commended the Supreme Court for its recent judgement affirming the financial autonomy of local governments and urged state Attorneys General to ensure compliance with these reforms.
“This increase reflects our commitment to strengthening the judiciary and reinforcing its role as the last hope of the common man,” Mr Fagbemi stated.
Exit
Mr Ariwoola, who is passing the mantle of leadership of the Nigerian judiciary to Ms Kekere-Ekun, took office as the acting CJN about two years ago on 27 June 2022.
Coming earlier than expected, Mr Ariwoola’s appointment, initially as the acting CJN, followed the abrupt resignation of his predecessor, Tanko Muhammad, on health grounds.
He leaves office when the judiciary faces an unabated confidence crisis fuelled by conflicting court orders, delays, and perceived irrational court decisions.
In June, Mr Ariwoola denounced the conflicting court decisions issued by some judges, describing the situation as an “attempt to make a mockery of our judicial system and flagrantly desecrate the revered Temple of Justice”.
He vowed that any judge found to be culpable would be sanctioned, but nothing has been heard about it ever since.
Before becoming the CJN, Mr Ariwoola, as the second-most senior judge of the Supreme Court, led the list of 13 colleagues who protested to the then CJN over the poor handling of their welfare and the court’s operations.
The ripples created by the leaked memo had yet to die down when Mr Muhammad resigned.
Tinubu to swear in Kekere-Ekun as new CJN Friday
President Bola Tinubu will swear in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Friday, August 23, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
The scheduled swearing-in ceremony, which will be held at the Council Chambers of the State House, was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has congratulated Justice Ariwoola on his retirement as Chief Justice of Nigeria, marking the end of a successful public service career.
Justice Ariwoola had a distinguished career, serving as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in multiple divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011.
He became Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2022, contributing to the nation in various capacities as a judicial officer.
President Tinubu commended the eminent jurist for his impactful leadership of the judiciary, enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, and strengthening the fabric of the law.
“President Bola Tinubu congratulates Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, as he retires as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a successful public service career.
“Justice Ariwoola had served as Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011.
“He was sworn in as Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2022 and had also served the nation in diverse capacities as a judicial officer.
“President Tinubu commends the eminent jurist for his services to the nation, noting his impactful leadership of the judiciary and his efforts in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as in strengthening the fibre of the law.
“The President thanks Justice Ariwoola and wishes him the very best for the future.
“President Tinubu will swear in Justice Ariwoola’s successor at the State House Council Chambers on August 23, 2024”, the statement said.
