JUST IN: Senate Appoints Kekere-Ekun As Substantive CJN

JUST IN: Senate Appoints Kekere-Ekun As Substantive CJN

The appointment of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria has been confirmed by the Senate.

This confirmation, announced by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, took place during a plenary session where she received approval through voice votes.

The screening process to confirm her as the new CJN involved a thorough questioning session by lawmakers, particularly focusing on judicial reforms.

Following close scrutiny during the screening, Justice Kekere-Ekun was cleared by the senators in the Committee of the Whole, in accordance with Section 231(1) of the Constitution.

Senator Akpabio expressed confidence that Kekere-Ekun’s leadership will ensure justice is served effectively in Nigeria.

Additionally, he congratulated her on her confirmation and urged her to maintain the judiciary’s integrity.

During her vetting, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized her strong stance against corruption within the judiciary.

“All pre-election matters will terminate at the Court of Appeal. I have zero tolerance for corruption,” she stated.

She had previously been serving in an acting capacity and President Bola Tinubu had sworn her in.

Tinubu’s recommendation, based on the National Judicial Council’s advice, was sent to the Senate for approval, leading to her confirmation as the substantive Chief Justice.

In his letter, Tinubu wrote, “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.”

Notably, after receiving the President’s letter, the Senate referred Kekere-Ekun’s nomination to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration.

With this confirmation, Justice Kekere-Ekun becomes the 23rd substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria and the second woman to hold this esteemed position in the country’s history.

During the screening process, the Senate made exceptions to its standing rules to allow visitors, including Supreme Court justices, judicial officers, and senior presidential aides on legislative matters, to participate in the proceedings.