President Bola Tinubu is set to cut his visit to France short to return to Nigeria for the inauguration of Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The ceremony is scheduled to occur on Friday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu is expected to arrive back in the country on Thursday night.
The President had traveled to France earlier this week for what was described as a brief work stay by his spokesperson.
Sources close to the presidency indicate that Tinubu’s decision to return early is to facilitate the swearing-in of the acting Chief Justice.
Olukayode Ariwoola retired from the position of Chief Justice on Thursday upon reaching the age of 70, with a valedictory ceremony held in his honor at the Supreme Court.
On August 15, the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended Kekere-Ekun as Ariwoola’s successor.
Under constitutional provisions, Kekere-Ekun, being the most senior Supreme Court Justice, is set to assume the role of Chief Justice in an acting capacity.
However, her appointment as acting Chief Justice requires formal endorsement by the President.
The constitution stipulates that the acting Chief Justice can serve for a maximum of three months from the appointment date unless a different recommendation is made by the NJC.
