President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after a three-day working visit to France, cutting his trip short to ensure his presence at the swearing-in of the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The President’s aircraft landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at approximately 2:25 am on Friday.
A statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, had earlier confirmed that Tinubu would return to Nigeria following a “brief work stay” in France.
On Thursday, Ngelale expressed the President’s gratitude to the outgoing Chief Justice, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and confirmed that President Tinubu would “swear in Justice Kekere-Ekun at the State House Council Chambers on August 23, 2024.”
The National Judicial Council recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to President Tinubu to succeed Justice Ariwoola, saying: “The NJC, at its 106th meeting presided over by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who bows out today, recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to President Bola Tinubu for appointment as the CJN.”
President Tinubu praised Justice Ariwoola’s over three decades of service, calling it a “successful public service career” and commending him for his contributions to the nation.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is set to take the oath of office at 11 am on Friday.
