The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has vowed to implement a zero-tolerance policy against corruption in the judiciary. She emphasized her commitment to integrity and strict adherence to judicial ethics as fundamental aspects of her judicial philosophy.
During her screening before the Senate, Kekere-Ekun assured lawmakers that, if confirmed, she would prioritize the swift adjudication of cases, particularly election petitions. She promised to shield the judiciary from external influences and advocated for enhanced welfare and infrastructure for judicial officers.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also stressed the importance of strengthening national institutions and promoting responsible behavior during elections. She highlighted that these improvements could help reduce the tendency to challenge election results in court.
The Senate commenced the screening process for Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria on Wednesday. Prior to the screening, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved a motion to reorder the day’s agenda to prioritize her screening. The motion was seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Oyewumi Olalere (PDP, Osun West).
Justice Kekere-Ekun, accompanied by justices from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, arrived at the Senate Chamber at 12:30 PM. Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, led her into the chamber following the invocation of Order 12 of the Senate’s Standing Orders by Senator Bamidele, which was seconded by Senator Olalere.
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu submitted a letter to the Senate, seeking the confirmation of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. The letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, highlighted the President’s nomination in accordance with Section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which mandates the President to appoint the CJN on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and subject to Senate confirmation.
The letter stated: “Pursuant to Section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which gives the President the power to appoint the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CON, for confirmation as CJN. I hope that this request will receive the expeditious consideration of the Senate.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun was sworn in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria on August 23, 2024, by President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja. She is the second female to hold the position, following Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar (CJN from July 2012 to November 2014). Born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, Justice Kekere-Ekun began her legal career at the University of Lagos, where she earned her law degree in 1980, and was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981.
Leave a Reply