PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to respecting the independence of the judiciary, vowing never to interfere or abuse the relationship between the executive and judiciary.
While speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) at the State House, Abuja, on Monday, President Tinubu described the judiciary as a crucial pillar of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
Note that Justice Kekere-Ekun, the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history, was sworn in following her confirmation by the Senate.
Four former Chief Justices of the Federation, including the first female Justice, Aloma Mukhtar, the President of the Court of Appeal, and other heads of the judiciary divisions, witnessed it.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu acknowledged the judiciary’s role as a moderating force, ensuring that everyone remains in check, and as the last hope of the common man, sustaining people’s confidence in democracy.
President Tinubu emphasised that his administration will preserve the sanctity of the judiciary, recognising the importance of its independence, even as he pledged to respect the clear line demarcating the executive and judiciary.
”The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy. Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check.
”Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged. For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary.
”While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same Government, under my watch, the Government will also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us.
”We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of Government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy,” the President said.
President Tinubu reiterated his Government’s dedication to improving judicial officers’ welfare and working conditions, noting recent decisions to enhance their effectiveness in administering justice.
He urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to continue upholding the principles of ethical leadership, fearlessness, and honesty that have defined her career.