JUST IN: Senate Confirms Justice Kekere-Ekun as Substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria

The Senate has officially confirmed Justice Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Learn more about her confirmation and its significance for Nigeria’s judiciary.

The Senate has officially confirmed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during the plenary session on Wednesday, following her clearance through voice votes after a nearly two-hour screening. During the session, lawmakers posed various questions to her, with a strong focus on judicial reforms.

Justice Kekere-Ekun was approved by the Senate Committee of the Whole, in line with Section 231 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution, as amended. Senate President Akpabio expressed confidence in her leadership, assuring that Nigeria would receive fair and adequate justice under her tenure as CJN. He also congratulated her and encouraged her to maintain the integrity of the judiciary.

During her screening, Justice Kekere-Ekun reiterated her firm stance against corruption in the judiciary, stating, “All pre-election matters will terminate at the Court of Appeal. I have zero tolerance for corruption.” She emphasized her commitment to upholding justice and ensuring a fair legal system.

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Kekere-Ekun had been serving as the acting CJN since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. Her nomination was initially presented to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu in a letter, citing Section 231(1) of the Constitution, which gives the President authority to appoint the CJN based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, subject to Senate confirmation.

In his letter, Tinubu expressed his trust that the Senate would give prompt consideration and approval to Kekere-Ekun’s nomination. Following the reading of the letter, the Senate referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for further deliberation.

With this confirmation, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun becomes Nigeria’s 23rd substantive Chief Justice and only the second woman to hold this esteemed position in the country’s history. During her screening, the Senate made a special provision by suspending its standing rules to allow visitors, including Supreme Court justices, judicial officers, and senior presidential aides on National Assembly matters, to attend the session in the Senate chamber.