As the current Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola bows out on Friday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may likely swear in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as his successor.
Sources said Justice Kekere-Ekun was the most favored to be the next Chief Justice of the Federation being the most senior Justice of the Court.
The source noted that the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima May be the one that would carry out the exercise in case the president didn’t return from his foreign trip on time on Friday.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has congratulated Justice Ariwoola on his retirement, saying his impact in the judiciary has enriched the Nigerian jurisprudence and strengthened the fibre of the law.
According to a statement made available to State House Correspondents by the President’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, the President noted that Justice Ariwoola had served as Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011.
The statement reads inter alia:
“President Tinubu commends the eminent 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.
“The President thanks Justice Ariwoola and wishes him the very best for the future.
“President Tinubu will swear in Justice Ariwoola’s successor at the State House Council Chambers on August 23, 2024.”