Senate clears Kekere-Ekun as Nigeria’s first female CJN
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been confirmed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) following her screening by the Senate on Wednesday during plenary session.
She was confirmed through voice votes by the lawmakers.
Kekere-Ekun’s screening lasted nearly two hours, during which she fielded a series of questions from lawmakers, focusing primarily on issues related to judicial reforms.
Following the interrogation, she was cleared by the Senate’s Committee of the Whole.
Her nomination, submitted by President Bola Tinubu, followed the recent retirement of former CJN Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, with Kekere-Ekun having served in an acting capacity since August.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed confidence in Kekere-Ekun’s ability to uphold justice, assuring Nigerians that the judiciary would remain fair and transparent under her leadership. He further congratulated the new CJN and called on her to maintain the integrity of the judicial system.
While being screened Kekere-Ekun reaffirmed her stance against corruption within the judiciary. “I have zero tolerance for corruption,” she declared.
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She added that under her leadership, all pre-election cases would now be concluded at the Court of Appeal.
The Senate’s decision came shortly after Tinubu’s formal letter was read at Tuesday’s plenary session, urging the lawmakers to confirm her appointment based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.
Justice Kekere-Ekun has been acting as the CJN since August following Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’s retirement. President Tinubu had sworn her in temporarily.
In his letter, Tinubu referenced Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which gave the President the authority to appoint the CJN upon recommendations from the National Judicial Council, NJC, subject to Senate confirmation.
The President expressed faith in Kekere-Ekun and urged the Senate to act promptly.
“I hereby forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CON, for confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. I trust that this request will receive the Senate’s prompt consideration and approval,” Tinubu stated in his letter.
