NJC Submits Kekere-Ekun’s Name for CJN to President Today

The National Judicial Council (NJC) is expected to send Justice Kekere-Ekun’s name to the President today for consideration as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

On Friday, the National Judicial Council is set to forward Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun’s name for approval as Nigeria’s next Chief Justice by President Bola Tinubu.

Following her recommendation by the NJC on Thursday during its 106th meeting presided over by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, it is now time for the next step which is to send her name to the President for appointment as Nigeria’s new CJN.

According to The PUNCH, NJC’s Director of Information Soji Oye announced that following the conclusion of the meeting, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s name would be sent for approval to the President as the next step.

“The meeting concluded today and tomorrow My Lord’s name will be presented to the President for her confirmation as the next CJN,” he stated.

It is crucial because Justice Ariwoola will retire from the office of CJN on Thursday, August 22, 2024.

Justice Kekere-Ekun will be the second female CJN in Nigeria, succeeding Justice Mariam Mukhtar who held the position from July 2012 to November 2014 if approved by the President.

During its Thursday meeting, NJC proposed 27 additional individuals as judges for state high courts and one Khadi. The names of these nominees will be sent to the respective state governors and President for approval.

According to Oye, “The council has advised state governors and the President to consider appointing 27 individuals as judges of their respective states’ courts. Additionally, they have recommended a candidate for appointment as Kadi of the Sharia Court in FCT Abuja.”

After the President and their respective state governors give approval, it is anticipated that all suggested candidates will be sworn in.

The Kwara State High Court has six candidates vying for positions, namely Olawoyin Olabisi, Abdulrazaq Funsho, Folorunsho Muritala, Dikko Adebayo, Adeniyi Adenike and Osuolale-Ajayi Olalekan.

Zubairu Ja’afaru is the sole candidate for Kaduna State.

There are four candidates from Benue State: Kor Tersoo, Ikwulono Maimuna, Adagba Julie and Tor Tersugh.

Two candidates for the customary court of appeal in Benue are Onche Inalegwu and Igba Terhile.

There are a total of eight individuals vying for high court positions in Rivers. These candidates include: Onyiri Frank, Ugoji Chinedum, Obomanu Vidal, Oguguo Chituru, Fubara Elkanah, Kokpan Sylvester, Obu Madighi and Wifa-Adedipe Lesi.

Six high court candidates are running for Ondo: Daomi Adebisi, Fabuluje William, Ogunwumiju Idowu, Demehin-Ogunbayo Happiness,Kpemi Justinah and Adegoroye Adeola.