The Senate will screen Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), today (Wednesday) for her potential confirmation as the official CJN.
On Tuesday, the Senate acknowledged the receipt of a letter from President Bola Tinubu requesting Kekere-Ekun’s confirmation as the substantive CJN.
During yesterday’s session, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read the President’s request aloud.
Since August, Kekere-Ekun has served as the acting CJN following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. President Tinubu previously swore her in on an interim basis.
In his letter, Tinubu referenced Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the President to appoint the CJN based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and with 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.”
Tinubu stated
The Senate President then referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for discussion on Wednesday.
If confirmed, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become the 23rd substantive CJN and the second woman to hold this position in Nigeria’s judicial history.
