President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria following a brief work stay in France. The President’s aircraft, an Airbus A330, landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja around 2:25 am on Friday.
The President had cut short his trip to France to preside over the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, at the Council Chambers of the State House. Tinubu initially left Abuja for France on Monday for what was described by the presidency as a “brief work stay,” without specifying the purpose or duration of the visit.
Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, had previously indicated in a statement that the President would return to Nigeria after his brief stay in France. On Thursday, Ngelale released another statement in which Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the outgoing CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and announced that Kekere-Ekun would be sworn in as his successor on August 23, 2024.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) had recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to replace Ariwoola following its 106th meeting on August 15. Kekere-Ekun, who is the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, will serve as the acting CJN pending her confirmation by the Senate. She succeeds Ariwoola, who retired on Thursday upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
President Tinubu praised Ariwoola for his over three decades of public service, highlighting his contributions as a Justice of the Court of Appeal and his tenure on the Supreme Court, where he served since 2011. Justice Kekere-Ekun, aged 66, is expected to serve as CJN until her retirement in 2028. She will officially take the oath of office at 11 am on Friday.
