President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The ceremony took place on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the council chambers of the Aso Rock villa, following her confirmation by the senate last week.
Kekere-Ekun, now the 23rd CJN and only the second female to hold the position in the country’s history, had been serving in an acting capacity since the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, in August.
During her senate confirmation hearing, Kekere-Ekun emphasized the importance of reforming the judiciary, particularly in the areas of digitization and speedy resolution of criminal cases. “I will ensure that the courts are digitized. It will make it easier in tracking cases, and judges could be called to order if they are not treating their cases expeditiously,” she said.
She also expressed her commitment to using virtual hearings to address delays in criminal matters, adding, “We are exploring ways to ensure that prison decongestion is frequently carried out. Virtual hearings will help fast-track cases, the failure to produce defendants is usually the delay in criminal cases,” She concluded.
