President Bola Tinubu has officially forwarded the nomination of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to the Senate for confirmation as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
This request was presented during the Senate plenary on Tuesday, as announced by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Justice Kekere-Ekun has been serving as the Acting Chief Justice since August, following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. In his letter, President Tinubu invoked Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the President to nominate a CJN upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), subject to Senate confirmation.
“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,” the President wrote in his letter, emphasizing the importance of a swift legislative process.
The Confirmation Process
Following the formal introduction of the nomination, the Senate has referred Justice Kekere-Ekun’s confirmation to the Committee of the Whole for deliberation.
The plenary scheduled to consider the nomination is set for Wednesday, where the Senate will thoroughly discuss her credentials and eligibility for the role.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s nomination comes at a time when the judiciary faces heightened expectations to uphold the rule of law and maintain judicial independence in a rapidly evolving political and legal landscape.
Having served as the Acting CJN for several months, Kekere-Ekun brings a wealth of judicial experience to the table.
Her confirmation as the substantive Chief Justice is widely expected to proceed without major hurdles, given her prominent record and the support of the NJC.
A Legal Pioneer
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has carved out a distinguished career in Nigeria’s judiciary, rising through the ranks to become one of the most respected legal minds in the country.
Her appointment as Acting Chief Justice marked a historic moment, and her elevation to the substantive CJN will further reinforce her position as a pioneering figure within Nigeria’s legal framework.
The Senate’s approval process will center on her qualifications and experience, ensuring that the judiciary remains under capable leadership in the years ahead.
With her nomination now before the Senate, all eyes will be on Wednesday’s plenary session, where her confirmation will be debated, likely ushering in the formalization of her role as Nigeria’s top judicial officer.
