Alhaji Ayodeji AbdulWahid AbdulRauf, President of NASFAT, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Justice Kekere-Ẹkun, praising her as “a woman of substance, high integrity, and her fellow women of judiciary.”
He noted that her appointment to the highest judicial seat in the land is the culmination of a distinguished career characterized by exceptional academic credentials, extensive judicial experience, and formidable legal acumen.
The president said this in a statement on Thursday August 22, 2024.
Reflecting on a personal encounter with Justice Kekere-Ẹkun, AbdulRauf shared, “Several years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ẹkun when I was invited for a talk on planning for retirement as a stockbroker to address the magistrates in Lagos central. Even during our brief interaction, I was inspired by her intellect and her warmth – important characteristics that I know she will bring with her to the highest court in the land.”
Emphasizing the historic significance of her appointment, AbdulRauf remarked, “For the government to function at its best, our legislators, executives, and judges must reflect the people for whom our government is intended to serve. The fact that there has never been a Muslim woman that has attained this position is an egregious wrong – one that needed a conscientious effort to correct.”
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive action in nominating Justice Kekere-Ẹkun, stating, “The longer the position was permitted to go without the perspective of a Muslim woman, the less legitimate the institution would become.”
AbdulRauf highlighted the vital role Muslim women have played in Nigerian society, asserting, “Muslim women, in particular, have always had a powerful presence in our society. From homes, c-suites, schools, hospitals, and every sector, women of Al-Janah play an integral role in uplifting our communities and strengthening our society.”
In celebrating this historic appointment, AbdulRauf acknowledged the challenges that come with being a trailblazer. “It is always difficult to be the first in anything; serving as the first Muslim woman in this historically epoch moment in the history of Nigeria. Despite all challenges, I have the utmost confidence that Justice Kekere-Ẹkun is up to the task and that the country will be ready to embrace her.”
As Justice Kekere-Ẹkun prepares to take her seat, AbdulRauf expressed a hopeful outlook for the future, “No matter the mastery of the law she displays on the court, no matter the insightful and eloquent opinions and dissents she writes, no matter the good she does for society by enshrining forward-thinking ideas into law and banishing those that would send our nation backward, it is likely that she will always be plagued by those who question her capability.”
Concluding his statement, AbdulRauf reiterated his faith in the Nigerian government and its ability to meet societal needs, “As Justice Kekere-Ẹkun prepares to take her seat as Chief Justice of Nigeria, once again, we are drawn to the conclusion that government is messy, but it works. It often operates more slowly than we would like. But at the end of the day, the government has proven to give us what our society needs. Local government autonomy for impactful governance, transparency and accountability, and now a female Muslim Chief Justice of Nigeria. So, in addition to wishing her congratulations, we must also express our expectations for Excellence in Truth and Service.”
