Tinubu Cuts Short France Trip to Swear in New CJN Today

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has abbreviated his trip to France to return and swear in the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), highlighting the significance of the judicial appointment.

Today, Friday, President Bola Tinubu will administer the oath of office to Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Upon returning from France on Thursday evening, Tinubu cut short his personal trip to that European nation in order to conduct the swearing-in ceremony for Nigeria’s new Chief Justice.

Our correspondent was informed by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, that the Chief Justice of Nigeria will be sworn in tomorrow (Friday). The President is cutting short his private visit to France and returning today (Thursday) for this purpose.

According to Onanuga, the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja will host the swearing-in ceremony at 11 am.

On Monday, Tinubu left Abuja for a short period of work in France according to the Presidency’s statement.

A signed statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale did not specify the reason and length of the visit but confirmed that “The President will return to the country following a short work engagement in France.”

Ngelale, who released a statement on behalf of Tinubu expressing gratitude to the former CJN Justice OluKayode Ariwoola, shared that the new CJN will be inaugurated by the President at State House Council Chambers come August 23rd, 2024.

Justice Kekere-Ekun was recommended by the National Judicial Council last week to lead the Judiciary of the country during its meeting that occurred on August 14 and 15, 2024.

The council declared that Justice Kekere-Ekun was recommended to President Bola Tinubu for appointment as the CJN during its 106th meeting, presided over by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola who retired on this day.

Until her confirmation by the Senate, Kekere-Ekun, who holds the highest rank among Justices in the Supreme Court, is to be inaugurated as CJN in an acting capacity.

Following Ariwoola’s retirement at the age of 70 on Thursday, she takes over from him as his successor who previously assumed office on June 27th, 2022.

Kekere-Ekun, aged 66 years old, is anticipated to serve until her retirement in the year 2028.

Tinubu praised the retired CJN in his message, characterizing Ariwoola’s career of more than 30 years as a “successful public service,” and lauded him for his contribution to the country.

Having been appointed as Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu and Lagos divisions prior to his promotion to the Supreme Court in 2011, Justice Ariwoola assumed office as Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2022. Throughout his career, he served the nation with great distinction performing various roles.

The eminent jurist was lauded by President Tinubu for his exceptional service to the nation. The president acknowledged and appreciated his influential leadership in the judiciary, enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as fortifying the fiber of law.

According to the statement, “Justice Ariwoola is thanked by the President and wished all the best in his future endeavors.”

Earlier in August, Justice Ariwoola declared that he had endorsed the updated Supreme Court Rules 2024 to tackle present difficulties and match contemporary requirements.

During his valedictory speech on Thursday at the Abuja Supreme Court complex, Ariwoola characterized it as one of his ultimate measures to strengthen both the justice industry and the Supreme Court.

Two years ago, upon assuming office as CJN, he expressed his concern for the 39-year-old rules that governed procedures in the apex court. These rules predated modern technology such as electronic transactions and internet usage.

Although practice directions have been continually issued to meet demands for justice, the substantive rules have remained unchanged since 1985, according to his observation.

The judge commented that the Supreme Court Rules of 1985 were created during a time when modern innovations like information technology, electronic transactions, and global telecommunications either did not exist or were in their early stages. Consequently, it is inconceivable how these antiquated rules could confront contemporary obstacles.

Due to this reason, I formed a Rules Committee with the responsibility of undertaking a comprehensive review of the 39-year-old laws and various existing practice guidelines which was an arduous task.

Earlier this month, in accordance with Section 236 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, I am delighted to announce my endorsement of the New Supreme Court Rules 2024.

Justice Ariwoola stated that the regulations governing court proceedings are vital for its functioning and should be adaptable to keep up with the changing needs of both lawyers and judges.

He expressed sincere gratitude to his colleagues on the bench: Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun who will assume the role of Chief Justice of Nigeria, as well as Justices Inyang Okoro and Moronkeji Ogunwumiju for their unwavering devotion towards adhering to new regulations. Additionally, he recognized Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) and Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), President of the Nigerian Bar Association, for their valuable contributions.

Justice Ariwoola commented on the Supreme Court’s workload, revealing that a total of 1,124 cases were submitted during the legal year of 2023/2024. This period started in September of 2023 and concluded by July in the following year.

Out of the total, 435 were civil cases while 269 consisted of civil motions. On the other hand, there were 219 criminal cases and 102 criminal motions filed as well. Despite not being an election year, individuals lodged a total of 89 political appeals with the apex court in addition to submitting ten originating summons for consideration.

He stated that in the same time frame, they issued a total of 248 judgments and rulings. Out of these, civil and originating summons cases accounted for 92 judgments while criminal appeals saw 81 decisions made. In addition to this, political appeals resulted in ruling on 74 occasions.

During a recent statement, Justice Ariwoola acknowledged the importance of easing the Supreme Court’s excessive workload. As a result, the National Judicial Institute partnered with both the Ministry of Justice and Nigerian Bar Association to host an event focused on reforming Nigeria’s justice system in April. The justice expressed optimism that this summit would produce positive outcomes for all involved parties by making impactful decisions regarding sector reforms.

The CJN revealed a new initiative, known as the Judicial Assistant Scheme, aimed at providing assistance to Supreme Court justices in their research and documentation responsibilities. This move comes as judicial work cannot be delegated by nature.

“It is because of this that we have established the Judicial Assistant Scheme for our Supreme Court Justices,” he stated. “An exclusive aspect of a judicial officer’s duty is that it cannot be delegated.”

The profession is challenging and cannot be performed remotely; one cannot task a colleague with composing their verdict as it requires personal attention to detail.

To alleviate justices’ workload on research and documentation, we’ve implemented the concept of Judicial Assistants.

Justice Ariwoola added that this new group of personnel will support their lordships by conducting research, with the aim for it to be a lasting component across all levels of our justice system.

He remarked that he had taken on the mantle of Chief Justice of Nigeria amidst turbulent times for the judiciary, but expressed his gratitude towards having skillfully dealt with these obstacles.