Barring any unforeseen circumstances, President Bola Tinubu may swear in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as Chief Justice of the Federation to replace Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Friday.
Justice Kekere-Ekun before her nomination was the most senior Justice of the Court. She succeeds Justice Olukayode Ariwoola who bows out after a successful public service career.
Although Tinubu is out of the country on a trip to France, it is likely that the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima may perform the swearing-in ceremony on his behalf.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu in a congratulatory message to Justice Ariwoola noted his impact on the judiciary, saying his efforts enriched the Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as strengthened the fibre of the law.
A statement made available to State House Correspondents by Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s media aide noted that 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 has 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 presidency noted.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to be sworn in as new CJN, Friday- Presidency