The Senate has officially confirmed Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). This significant decision followed a thorough screening process conducted by the Senators on Wednesday, marking an important step in Nigeria’s judicial leadership.
Justice Kekere-Ekun arrived at the Senate chambers at 12:30 PM, and the screening began shortly thereafter at 12:47 PM, concluding at 2:41 PM. She was accompanied by other Supreme Court Justices and led into the Chamber by Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters.
The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as Senators prepared to question her on various issues concerning the judiciary.
Prior to the screening, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele proposed rearranging the day’s legislative agenda to prioritize the confirmation of Kekere-Ekun.
This move was supported by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Oyewumi Olalere, ensuring that the screening would be the primary focus of the session.
With her confirmation, Kekere-Ekun becomes the second woman to hold the position of CJN in Nigeria’s history, following Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served from July 2012 to November 2014. Kekere-Ekun had been serving in an acting capacity after the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Her nomination was presented to President Bola Tinubu by the National Judicial Council (NJC) on August 15, showcasing a transparent process for appointing key judicial leaders.
During her session with the Senate, Kekere-Ekun addressed various pressing issues in the judiciary. She expressed a strong commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, emphasizing the importance of integrity and strictness in judicial matters.
She also highlighted her intention to ensure that petitions and cases are processed swiftly, aiming to reduce delays that can hinder justice.
Kekere-Ekun assured the Senators that as CJN, she would work diligently to protect the judiciary from external influences that could compromise its independence. Additionally, she emphasized the need for better welfare and improved infrastructure for judicial staff, acknowledging the challenges they face in their roles.
She further stressed the importance of strengthening the country’s institutions and the behavior of its citizens, particularly during election periods. She believes that fostering a culture of respect for the rule of law will help minimize disputes that lead to court cases following elections.
President Bola Tinubu had previously sent a letter to the Senate requesting her confirmation, which was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio upon the chamber’s return from its annual break.
The letter underscored the constitutional authority granted to the President to appoint the CJN based on the NJC’s recommendation, reinforcing the collaborative nature of this process.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was sworn in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria on August 23, 2024, by President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. Born on May 7, 1958, in London, she began her legal journey at the University of Lagos, where she earned her law degree in 1980.
After completing her studies at the Nigerian Law School, she was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981. Her extensive experience and commitment to justice position her as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s legal landscape.
