Following a rigorous screening process, the Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The Senate received a request from President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, in which he urged them to promptly address her nomination. This confirmation is a result of that request.
Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution was cited by President Tinubu in his letter, wherein he asserted his prerogative to appoint the CJN, relying on the advice provided by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and subject to the Senate’s approval.
With confidence in Kekere-Ekun’s capabilities, he stated his belief that this request will be promptly considered and approved by the Senate.
Kekere-Ekun was born in London on May 7, 1958. She started her law career at the University of Lagos, where she graduated in 1980 and became a member of the Nigerian Bar in 1981.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, brought up the President’s letter during the meeting and passed the nomination to the whole committee for discussion.
The NJC had suggested Justice Kekere-Ekun to President Tinubu as the new CJN after Justice Ariwoola retired.
Kekere-Ekun is 66 years old and the 23rd CJN. She’s the second female to hold this prestigious position, after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar from July 2012 to November 2014.