President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Justice Kekere-Ekun has been serving as Acting Chief Justice since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, being previously sworn in on an interim basis by the President.
During the plenary session on September 24, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s letter requesting the nomination.
In his letter, Tinubu referenced Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which grants the president the authority to appoint the CJN based on recommendations from the National Judicial Council, pending Senate approval.
The letter stated, “Pursuant to 231(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999, as amended, which empowers the president to appoint the Chief Justice of Nigeria on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission and subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, I have the honor to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CON, for confirmation as CJN.”
He expressed hope for a prompt consideration and confirmation from the Senate, extending his highest regards to the Senate President.
Senate President Akpabio has referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for deliberation, expected to take place on Wednesday.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s confirmation is seen as a significant step for the judiciary under Tinubu’s administration, highlighting his commitment to stabilizing judicial leadership as she continues to manage the apex court’s affairs in an acting capacity.
