Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun has been officially been sworn in as the 23rd substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, by President Bola Tinubu at a ceremony that took place at the council chambers, Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
The fresh oath which was subsequent to her oath of office she took four weeks ago as an acting CJN was sequel to her confirmation by the Senate last week. Tinubu and Kekere Ekun
Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun is the second woman to hold the exalted judiciary position in the history of Nigeria, and she had been serving in an acting capacity since August after the retirement of her predecessor, Olukayode Ariwoola.
The swearing in ceremony was witnessed by four predecessors of the new CJN who were in the council chambers which include Justices Mahmud Mohammed, Aloma Mukhtar, Walter Onoghen and immediate past, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Her family members were also present to honor her after she was sworn in as the substantive CJN.
Kekere-Ekun started her judiciary carrier from the bench of the Magistrate court from where she rose through the ranks to reach the apex of the judiciary bench.
Responding to questions from the Senators during her confirmation hearing, the Justice stated among others to embark on wholesome reforms, focusing on digitalization of the court for efficiency and accountability.
She stated that digitalization, “will make it easier to track cases, and judges can be held accountable if cases are not handled promptly”.
She also emphasized the need to expedite criminal cases through virtual hearings, explaining that delays often stem from challenges in producing defendants in court, while promising to be committed to reducing delays in criminal trials and appeals and prioritizing prison decongestion efforts.
“We will encourage virtual hearings to ensure criminal matters are resolved swiftly,” she said, stressing that this will be a key part of her efforts to reform the judiciary.
