Rita Odafe
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun
The Senate has formally confirmed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as Nigeria’s new Chief Justice (CJN) after a rigorous questioning session.
She has been acting as CJN since August, succeeding Justice Olukayode Ariwoola who retired.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, along with fellow Justices from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, arrived at the Senate Chamber at 12:30 PM on Wednesday.
The confirmation took place on September 25, which followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination submitted the day prior, as announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
This nomination is based on section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution, giving the President the responsibility to appoint the CJN based on the advice of the National Judicial Commission (NJC). In his correspondence, he stated, “I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as CJN.”
After reading the letter, Senate President Akpabio directed that the nomination be reviewed by the committee, leading to a comprehensive interview and screening of the nominee. Ultimately, the Senate confirmed her as the new CJN.
In her interview, Justice Kekere-Ekun pledged to harness technology to expedite the justice process in Nigeria. She assured that there would be no sanctuary for corrupt practices and criminals, reaffirming her commitment to maintaining the judiciary’s autonomy against external pressures.
