CJN Kekere-Ekun: First My Congratulations, Then…
By Rabi Ummi Umar,
Up until now, Nigeria has had only one female Chief Justice, the distinguished Justice Maryam Aloma Mukhtar, who made history by serving as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) from 2012 to 2014, under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. She became the first woman to hold the position.
Nearly a decade later, we just celebrated another historic moment with the appointment of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria, following the retirement of Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. This appointment marks a significant milestone for women, especially those in the legal profession.
It is a powerful symbol of progress and a testament to the strides women continue to make in breaking barriers. For women like myself, your appointment is a profound source of motivation, inspiring countless women and girls across the nation. It fuels our ambition and instills confidence, reinforcing the belief that women can reach the highest echelons of success in any field they choose.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, Your Lordship. However, I feel compelled to address a pressing issue that demands urgent attention—the waning public trust in Nigeria’s judicial system. Many Nigerians have lost faith in the judiciary, and it is imperative to restore that trust by ensuring justice is served impartially and transparently in all matters, whether large or small.
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The once-common belief that “the judiciary is the last hope of the common man” has unfortunately diminished. Today, the justice system is often perceived as more transactional than just, a notion that undermines its very foundation. A glaring example of this is the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, where aggrieved parties sought legal redress. After the court rulings, many who felt aggrieved accused the judiciary of bias, suggesting that the winners had undue influence and that the courts were swayed by those with deep pockets.
This perception of corruption and partiality should not exist in a system that is supposed to be the guardian of fairness. I prefer not to dwell on these specific allegations, but it is evident that high-profile cases have often been stalled or delayed due to the slow pace of the judicial process. This is another blemish on the judiciary’s reputation that requires urgent correction.
Furthermore, the disobedience of court orders, especially by those in positions of power, has become far too common. It is encouraging that, upon your swearing-in, you issued a stern warning about this growing trend. However, I suggest that these warnings be followed by decisive actions that send a clear message: the judiciary must be respected, and its rulings must be upheld, regardless of the status of those involved.
With you at the helm, it is time to make a meaningful difference and cleanse the system of these negative perceptions. Justice Maryam Aloma Mukhtar played her part in advancing the judiciary, and now it is your turn to lead the charge in revolutionizing the institution. Your leadership presents a golden opportunity to prove that women are not only capable of reaching the highest positions but are also instrumental in bringing transformative change.
It is important to highlight that women everywhere are watching you closely, from the corporate world to public and private organizations. You are now a role model, and your success signifies that with the right capacity and determination, women can rise to the pinnacle of any profession.
In closing, I wish you great success during your tenure. I urge women to take inspiration from your journey—break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and transcend boundaries—to step into positions where they can make a meaningful difference.
*Rabi Ummi Umar is an intern at PRNigeria and a student at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. She can be reached via: [email protected].*
