The Senate has officially appointed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). She has been serving in an acting role since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
On Wednesday, September 25, Justice Kekere-Ekun, accompanied by other Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices, arrived at the Senate Chamber at 12:30 PM for her confirmation. This came after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted a nomination request, which Senate President Godswill Akpabio read during the plenary session on Tuesday, September 24.
The President’s request was made under section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers him to appoint the CJN based on the National Judicial Commission’s (NJC) recommendations. In his letter, President Tinubu stated, “I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as CJN.”
After the letter was read, Senate President Akpabio referred the nomination to the committee of the whole for consideration. Following a thorough interview and screening process, the Senate confirmed her appointment.
During her interview, Justice Kekere-Ekun pledged to utilize technology for the swift delivery of justice in Nigeria and vowed to ensure that corrupt individuals and criminals would find no refuge, emphasizing her commitment to maintaining the judiciary’s independence from external influences.
