The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has promised to uphold the rights of people and ensure equity and justice as the CJN.

Justice Kekere-Ekun made the vow at the Special Dinner held in her honour at Lagos House in Marina on Saturday night.

The CJN, who expressed gratitude over the show of love by the Lagos State Government, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the previous governors for their commitment to the judiciary and infrastructure.

She said: “My recent appointment as the Chief Justice of Nigeria is a role I did not take likely. Indeed, I appreciate that I have a very heavy responsibility on my shoulders. It is a call to lead, inspire, and champion the integrity of our judiciary.

“I am committed to upholding the high standard of our judiciary, promoting judicial independence, and fostering an environment where the rule of law prevails.”

Speaking, Sanwo-Olu said Justice Kekere-Ekun will not see the judiciary as just an arm of government but as a gatekeeper of justice, protector of the rights of the citizens, and defender of the constitution.

The governor said the tenure of Justice Kekere-Ekun as the CJN will be marked by the sharp intellect, depth of insight, and unwavering commitment to the spirit of the law for which she built a lifelong reputation, noting that her ascension to the highest judicial office in Nigeria speaks powerfully to the boundless potential of women and to the fact that excellence in leadership knows no gender.

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Sanwo-Olu added that Lagos State has produced many of the finest legal minds Nigeria has seen on the Bar and the Bench.

Sanwo-Olu said: “At a time when Nigeria faces many challenges, your leadership of the judiciary is a steadying force and a comforting presence, one that will bring renewed strength to the pursuit of justice, equity, and fairness.

“I am pleased to note that Justice Kekere-Ekun has made judicial welfare one of the pillars of her leadership of the Supreme Court, and I have no doubt in my mind that the Lagos reform model will serve as a credible template for national judicial reform. We are indeed proud to have a daughter of Lagos spearheading what will no doubt come to be known as a golden age for the Nigerian judicial system.”

The dinner was attended by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun; First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Justice Kekere-Ekun’s husband, Akin Kekere-Ekun; the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Justices of Supreme Court; Judges of Court of Appeal and Federal and State High Courts; legal practitioners; and traditional and political leaders; among others.

The Star