…As Ariwoola bows out
President Bola Tinubu will on Friday swear in Kudirat Kekere-Eku as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Kekere-Ekun succeeds Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired from service after attaining the mandatory age of 70 years on Thursday.
Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, said the swearing-in will take place at the State House Council Chambers on Friday.
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This is as Tinubu on Thursday congratulated the retired Justice Ariwoola for a successful public service career. The president commended the jurist for his services to the nation, noting his impactful leadership of the judiciary and his efforts in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as in strengthening the fibre of the law.
Meanwhile, there was a valedictory court session in honour of Ariwoola, (Nigeria’s 22nd CJN), at the Supreme Court, on Thursday, during which he informed that he signed off on a set of new Supreme Court Rules 2024 aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the nation’s apex court.
Ariwoola highlighted the need for the new Supreme Court Rules 2024, which he signed earlier this month.
“At the time the Supreme Court Rules 1985 were made, things that are now ubiquitous, like information technology, electronic transactions, and global telecommunication, were either not in existence or their formative stages. How, then, could such outdated rules be adequate for today’s challenges?” He remarked.
The new rules, he explained, were developed to reflect the changing landscape of law and technology, ensuring that the court’s procedures remain dynamic and contemporary to meet the evolving demands of the legal system.
The retired CJN expressed confidence that these updated rules will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Supreme Court.
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He also called for measures to reduce the overwhelming burden on the court. He pointed out that many cases currently before the Supreme Court should have been resolved at the appellate level, emphasising the need for reforms to streamline the court’s docket.
Justice Ariwoola, who was born on August 22, 1954, and elevated to the Supreme Court on November 22, 2011, was appointed as the substantive CJN on June 27, 2022, by former President Muhammadu Buhari. He was formally confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on September 21, 2022.
After two years as CJN and 13 years at the apex court, Ariwoola’s tenure has been marked by significant judicial leadership.
