Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu named 45 ministers in his new cabinet as his government looks to tackle huge security and economic problems
IBTimes NG

President Bola Tinubu swore in the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday before pledging to "preserve the sanctity of the Judiciary."

The swearing-in ceremony, which marked Kekere-Ekun being the second woman to hold the Chief Justice position in Nigeria's history, took place at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

"The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy," the president said, as per the official X handle. "Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check."

"Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people's confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged."

The president said that the judiciary's important role required genuine independence that must be respected by the other branches of government, including the executive and legislature.

He noted that the judiciary must remain truly independent and that his administration was fully committed to preserving its integrity. While acknowledging the need for cooperation among different parts of the government, he assured that his administration would respect the clear boundaries between them.

He affirmed that there would be no interference or misuse of the relationship between the branches of government, as this was essential for maintaining Nigeria's constitutional democracy.

Tinubu emphasized his government's commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers, mentioning recent decisions aimed at enhancing their ability to administer justice.

The president went on to encourage Justice Kekere-Ekun to continue embodying the principles of ethical leadership, courage, and honesty that have characterized her career. He said that the Nigerian judiciary needed a leader with these qualities right now and expressed confidence that she would set a positive example for others to follow.

He praised the CJN's rise through the judicial ranks as a sign of hard work and an inspiration to women in a male-dominated field.

"This day has also cemented the judiciary as a self-evolving and progressive institution," he added. "I specifically congratulate the Nigerian women. Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true. It is worth celebrating."

Earlier this week, Tinubu appointed Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the director-general and global liaison for the Nigeria-China strategic partnership.