President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after a three-day work stay in France. The Airbus A330 carrying the President touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at approximately 2:25 a.m. on Friday.
The president’s return was earlier than anticipated, as he cut short his trip to administer the oath of office to the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Council Chambers of the State House.
Tinubu had departed Abuja for France on Monday for what the presidency described as a “brief work stay.” While the specific reasons for the visit and its intended duration were not disclosed, a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, indicated that the President would return to Nigeria after the brief stay.
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In a statement issued on Thursday, Ngelale conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation to the outgoing CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired upon reaching the mandatory age of 70. The statement also confirmed that the President would swear in Justice Kekere-Ekun as the new CJN.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) had, on August 15, during its 106th meeting, recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to the President as Justice Ariwoola’s successor. The NJC, in its announcement, noted that Justice Kekere-Ekun, the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, would serve as the acting CJN pending her confirmation by the Senate.
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Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, 66, is expected to serve as CJN until her retirement in 2028. She succeeds Justice Ariwoola, who has served as CJN since June 27, 2022. Ariwoola’s distinguished career spanned over three decades, including service as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions, before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011.
In his message to the retired CJN, President Tinubu lauded Ariwoola for his “successful public service career,” commending his contributions to the nation’s judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s swearing-in marks a significant transition in Nigeria’s judiciary, as she becomes the first woman to hold the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria. The event is expected to attract dignitaries from across the nation.
