The Senate officially confirmed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Justice Kekere-Ekun had been serving in an acting capacity since August, following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Accompanied by fellow Justices from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, Kekere-Ekun arrived at the Senate Chamber by 12:30 p.m. for her screening.
Her confirmation followed a formal request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session.
President Tinubu’s request, submitted under section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), empowered him to nominate the CJN based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission (NJC).
The letter read in part: “I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as CJN.”
The Senate referred the request to the committee of the whole for consideration, and after an extensive screening session, confirmed Justice Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice.
During the interview, Justice Kekere-Ekun pledged to leverage technology to enhance the efficiency of the judicial system, ensuring the swift dispensation of justice across the country.
She also emphasized her commitment to upholding judicial integrity, stating that there would be no place for corrupt individuals or criminals under her watch. Furthermore, she vowed to safeguard the judiciary’s independence from external influence.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s confirmation marks a significant moment for the Nigerian judiciary, as she steps into her role with a clear focus on modernizing the justice system and maintaining judicial integrity.
