President Bola Tinubu returned to France today, Friday, after briefly arriving in Nigeria to preside over Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun’s swearing-in as acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
On Friday, at 11.40 a.m., Kekere-Ekun took her oath of office and signed the oath register in the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja.
Kekere-Ekun succeeds Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday, August 22, 2024, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.
Tinubu also congratulated Ariwoola, whose journey in the judiciary he described as a “successful public service career,” commending him for his services to the nation.
He congratulated Ariwoola on his success in public service.
Ex-president Muhammadu Buhari swore in Ariwoola as CJN in October 2022, months after he replaced former CJN Tanko Muhammad in an acting capacity.
He had also served the nation in several capacities as Justice of the Court of Appeal in the Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011.
“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,” the statement further read.
Tinubu halted his trip to France to return to Nigeria for the swearing-in ceremony, and he anticipates resuming his duties in France later today.
