The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday commenced the screening of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria.
This follows President Bola Tinubu’s formal request for her confirmation, which was submitted to the Senate on Tuesday.
President Tinubu’s letter, presented during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, cited Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which authorizes the President to appoint the CJN based on recommendations from the National Judicial Council, subject to Senate approval.
In his message to the lawmakers, Tinubu expressed confidence in Justice Kekere-Ekun’s ability to lead the nation’s judiciary. “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 President stated.
The NJC had in August recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to succeed former CJN Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Alongside the CJN nominee, other judges from the Supreme Court, judicial officers, and senior presidential aides on National Assembly matters were also present at the Senate chamber for screening and confirmation.
Following the reading of the letter, Senate President Akpabio referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for further deliberation during the next legislative sitting.
