Tinubu departs for France after Kekere-Ekun’s swearing in as CJN

Baring last minute changes, President Bola Tinubu will return to France today, Friday August 23.

The president had cut short his earlier trip to France to swear in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Kekere-Ekun’s inauguration makes her the second female CJN in the country’s history after Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who was CJN from July 2012 to November 2014.

The acting CJN took her oath of office at about 11:38am and took her allotted seat in the council chambers — on the left of the president — at exactly 11:45am.

Among those who witnessed the event were other justices of the supreme court; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the leadership of the house of representatives led by Julius Ihonbvere; Babajide Sanwoolu, governor of Lagos; and Olukayode Ariwoola, immediate past CJN.

Also present were George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF); Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA); Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president; and Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation.

A reliable source at the presidency said Tinubu will be returning to France “any moment from now to continue his brief work stay” in the country.