Justice Kudirat Kekere is officially the 23^rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

She was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, September 30, 2024.

With this development, Justice Kekere replaces Justice Olukoyede, who previously held the post.

“The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy. Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check,’’ President Tinubu said during the swearing-in ceremony.

“Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged.

“For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary.

RELATED: Computer Scientist Chinasa Okolo Makes Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential List

“While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under my watch, the government will also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us.

“We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy.”

President Tinubu also hailed Justice Kekere’s achievement and described her as an “inspiration to women.”

“The Nigerian judiciary needs a leader with these qualities at this time, and I have no doubt that you will set the pace for others to follow,” Tinubu said.

“This day has also cemented the judiciary as a self-evolving and progressive institution. I specifically congratulate the Nigerian women. Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true. It is worth celebrating.”