The Senate is set to screen Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun today, Wednesday, for her potential confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
According to The PUNCH, this significant move comes after the Senate received a letter from President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, formally seeking her confirmation for the position.
During the plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the President’s request, highlighting the importance of the Senate’s role in confirming judicial appointments.
Justice Kekere-Ekun has been acting as the CJN since August, following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
In his letter, President Tinubu referenced Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the President to appoint the CJN based on the National Judicial Council’s recommendations, with the stipulation that such appointments are subject to Senate approval.
He expressed confidence in the Senate’s consideration, stating, “I hereby forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CON, for confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. I trust that this request will receive the Senate’s prompt consideration and approval.”
The Senate President has referred Justice Kekere-Ekun’s nomination to the Committee of the Whole, where discussions will take place on her candidacy.
If confirmed, she will make history as the 23rd substantive CJN and only the second woman to hold this prestigious office in Nigeria’s judiciary.
This pivotal appointment underscores the evolving landscape of the Nigerian legal system, as it embraces diversity and representation at the highest levels.
