The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Tuesday administered the oath of office on Mainasara Kogo as the new Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held in Abuja, Justice Kekere-Ekun urged Kogo to uphold justice and integrity above personal or political interests, emphasizing that the position demands independence, courage, and sound judgment.
“The office you now occupy demands a person of sound judgment, unshakeable independence, and the moral courage to do what is right, regardless of whose interests may be at stake,” she stated.
The CJN highlighted that cases before the tribunal often involve “high stakes and sensitive issues touching upon the very soul of public trust,” and reminded the new chairman that his loyalty must remain with the nation, the Constitution, and the cause of justice.
“The trust placed in you is a trust on behalf of the nation, and it must never be compromised or traded for personal or political reasons,” Justice Kekere-Ekun warned. “You must uphold the law without fear or favour, affection or ill will. Let your actions inspire confidence in the institution you now lead.”
In his response, Kogo expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his appointment and thanked the judiciary for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to uphold the highest standards of justice with fairness, courage, and humility.
“My determination is to ensure that justice is not only done but manifestly seen to be done,” Kogo said, promising to strengthen institutional integrity and efficiency within the tribunal.
President Tinubu appointed Kogo in July to succeed Danladi Umar, who led the CCT from 2011. Umar’s tenure was dogged by corruption allegations and controversy, including a 2021 incident in which he was accused of assaulting a security guard in Abuja — a development that drew public criticism and led both chambers of the National Assembly to call for his removal.
