Senate confirms Kekere-Ekun as CJN

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

Justice Kekere-Ekun has been serving in an acting capacity since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

Accompanied by other Justices from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, Justice Kekere-Ekun arrived at the Senate Chamber at 12:30 PM on Wednesday. Her confirmation came on Wednesday, September 25, after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted a request, which was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the plenary session on Tuesday, September 24. 

President Tinubu’s request was made in accordance with section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the President the authority to appoint the CJN based on recommendations from the National Judicial Commission (NJC). In his letter, he stated, “I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as CJN.”

Following the reading of the letter, Senate President Akpabio referred the nomination to the committee of the whole for consideration on Wednesday. After a thorough interview and screening process, the Senate confirmed her appointment as CJN.

During the interview, Justice Kekere-Ekun expressed her commitment to leveraging technology for the swift dispensation of justice in Nigeria. She emphasized that there would be no refuge for corrupt individuals and criminals, pledging to uphold the judiciary’s independence from external influences.