Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, has pledged to restore and strengthen public trust in the judicial system. She emphasized that this responsibility is not hers alone, but a collective effort of all Nigerians.
“We are committed to elevating the judiciary, enhancing its image, and ensuring greater public confidence,” she said. “This is not a task for one person; it requires everyone’s involvement because we all know the areas in need of improvement. I am confident we will work together, as we all want a better judiciary.”
Kekere-Ekun made these comments during her swearing-in ceremony as the 23rd acting Chief Justice of Nigeria at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja.
She further promised to reform the process of appointing judicial officers, assuring that by the end of her tenure, the judiciary would see significant improvements.
“We will focus more on the appointment process, which is a key issue. By the grace of God, by the end of my tenure, we will have a judiciary that we can all be proud of. A stronger judiciary benefits the whole nation, and wherever we see shortcomings today, it is our responsibility as citizens to contribute to improvement.”
Kekere-Ekun also urged Nigerians to take personal responsibility for improving the justice system and to maintain faith in its processes.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) had recommended Kekere-Ekun to the President on August 15, following its 106th meeting, to succeed the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
