The Senate has officially confirmed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced her confirmation during Wednesday’s plenary after a thorough screening session, which lasted nearly two hours and culminated in her clearance via voice vote.
During the screening, lawmakers posed several questions focused on judicial reforms, with Kekere-Ekun reaffirming her zero tolerance for corruption and emphasizing the need for transparency in the judiciary. She also highlighted her stance that all pre-election matters should be resolved at the Court of Appeal.
Her confirmation is in line with Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates that the President appoint the Chief Justice based on recommendations from the National Judicial Council, subject to Senate approval.
Kekere-Ekun has been serving in an acting capacity since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. President Bola Tinubu had formally nominated her for the role in a letter presented to the Senate during Tuesday’s plenary. In his letter, Tinubu expressed confidence in Kekere-Ekun’s ability to lead the judiciary, urging the Senate to approve her nomination swiftly.
Akpabio congratulated the new CJN and expressed optimism that her leadership would uphold justice and integrity within the judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is now the 23rd substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria and the second woman in the nation’s history to hold this esteemed position. During the screening, the Senate suspended its standing rules to allow dignitaries, including Supreme Court justices and senior presidential aides, to attend the session.
