President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will uphold the independence of the judiciary and ensure that there is no interference in its activities.
He made this promise on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The event, held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was an important moment in Nigeria’s judicial history, as Kekere-Ekun became only the second female Chief Justice in the nation’s history.
During his address, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear separation between the executive and judicial branches of government.
He made it clear that under his leadership, the judiciary would be free from undue influence and interference.
“The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy,” Tinubu said.
He acknowledged the judiciary’s critical role in ensuring checks and balances within the Nigerian government.
“Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check.”
The President further highlighted the judiciary’s role as the last hope of the common man.
He praised its function as a reliable body capable of providing redress when citizens feel wronged by any part of the system.
Tinubu added, “Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy.”
He noted that this confidence stems from the judiciary’s capacity to deliver justice fairly and without bias.
In his speech, Tinubu committed his administration to preserving the sanctity and independence of the judiciary.
He said, “For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary.”
He acknowledged that the executive and judiciary might need to work together in certain situations but promised that his government would always be mindful of the boundaries separating the two branches.
“While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under my watch, the government will also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us,” Tinubu said.
He assured the judiciary that there would be no abuse of their relationship, stressing that respecting this balance is essential for sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.
“We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy,” the President stated.
This promise comes at a time when the judiciary has often been at the center of political controversies and challenges in the country.
For years, Nigerians have debated whether the judiciary is truly independent, with some accusing past governments of meddling in its affairs.
He also congratulated Justice Kekere-Ekun for her elevation to the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria.
He praised her for her ethical leadership, fearlessness, and honesty, traits which he said have defined her career and will serve her well in this new role.
“The Nigerian judiciary needs a leader with these qualities at this time, and I have no doubt that you will set the pace for others to follow,” Tinubu told the new Chief Justice.
Kekere-Ekun has had a long and distinguished career in the Nigerian judiciary, and her appointment as CJN is a historic moment for the country.
She is the second woman to hold the position of Chief Justice, following in the footsteps of Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served as Nigeria’s first female CJN from 2012 to 2014.
In his speech, President Tinubu highlighted the significance of Kekere-Ekun’s appointment, particularly for women in Nigeria.
He said that her elevation is a testament to the progress of the Nigerian judiciary as a “self-evolving and progressive institution.”
Tinubu also used the moment to celebrate Nigerian women, noting that Kekere-Ekun’s achievement would inspire the next generation of young girls in the country.
“This day has also cemented the judiciary as a self-evolving and progressive institution,” he said.
“I specifically congratulate the Nigerian women. Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true. It is worth celebrating,” the President added.
