Senate Approves Kekere-Ekun as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)

The Senate has officially confirmed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Justice Kekere-Ekun had been serving as the acting CJN since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. She arrived at the Senate Chamber on Wednesday, September 25, at 12:30 PM, accompanied by other Justices from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. Her confirmation came after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted a request for her appointment, which was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the plenary session on Tuesday, September 24.

President Tinubu’s request was in line with section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the President the power to appoint the CJN based on recommendations from the National Judicial Commission (NJC). In his letter, the President 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, which conducted a thorough interview and screening process on Wednesday. The Senate subsequently confirmed Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment.

During her interview, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized her commitment to utilizing technology for the swift delivery of justice in Nigeria. She assured that there would be no safe haven for corrupt individuals and criminals, and pledged to protect the judiciary’s independence from external pressures.