President Bola Tinubu is set to return to France today, Friday, August 23, 2024, after briefly returning to Nigeria to officiate a crucial judicial transition.
Tinubu arrived in the country this morning to preside over the swearing-in of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The ceremony took place at 11:38 am at the State House in Abuja, where Justice Kekere-Ekun became the second woman to hold this prestigious position, following Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served as CJN from July 2012 to November 2014.
Justice Kekere-Ekun will serve as the acting CJN until her appointment is confirmed by the Senate. Her elevation to the role follows the recommendation by the National Judicial Council and the recent retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Supreme Court Justices, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives leader Prof. Julius Ihonbvere, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the outgoing CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Presidential Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
President Tinubu had cut short his visit to France to return to Nigeria for the swearing-in, and he is expected to resume his engagements in France later today.
