President Bola Tinubu, who had embarked on a brief work stay in France on Monday, August 19, 2024, cut short his trip to return to Nigeria for an important national duty.
The President's visit to France was initially shrouded in some controversy after it was leaked by Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese firm involved in a legal dispute with Nigeria.
The firm had seized three Nigerian presidential jets but released one, an Airbus A330, to facilitate Tinubu's travel for a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Upon his return to Abuja on Thursday evening, August 22, 2024, Tinubu prepared to swear in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The swearing-in ceremony took place at 11 am on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. This event marked the end of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola's tenure, who retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, aged 66, was recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) during its 106th meeting held on August 14 and 15, 2024. She is set to serve until her retirement in 2028, pending Senate confirmation.
Her extensive legal career includes serving as a Senior Magistrate, a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State, and a Justice of the Court of Appeal before her elevation to the Supreme Court in 2013.
In his message to the outgoing CJN, Tinubu commended Ariwoola for his impactful leadership and contributions to Nigerian jurisprudence. He described Ariwoola's over three-decade-long public service career as successful and praised his efforts in strengthening the judiciary.
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