Barring any last minute change in plans, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to depart for France today, Friday, August 23, 2024, barely 24 hours after arriving from Paris to swear in the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Tinubu had returned to the country this morning to swear-in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Tinubu swore-in Justice Kekere-Ekun at about 11:38 am at the State House in Abuja, making her the second Nigerian female jurist to serve as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who was the Chief Justice of Nigeria between July 2012 and November, 2014.
She will operate in an acting capacity until confirmation by the Senate.
Justice Kekere-Ekun takes over the new role following her recommendation for the position by the National Judicial Council and the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Among the dignitaries who witnessed the swearing-in event were other Justices of the Supreme Court; the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the leadership of the House of Representatives, represented by Prof Julius Ihonbvere; the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-olu; and immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Also present were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Recall that President Tinubu had cut short his trip to France, returning to the country early this morning to swear-in the new CJN.
The decision of the President to return to France has made some to wonder about the reason for Mr. Tinubu’s predilection for Paris, France at this critical time of national socioeconomic ad security challenges.
