In a letter to the Senate, President Bola Tinubu requested that Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun be screened and then confirmed to serve as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, or CJN. Sen. Godswill Akpabio, the president of the Senate, read President Tinubu’s letter on Tuesday as the Upper Chamber resumed its yearly vacation that began in July.
Pursuant to 231(1) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 amended constitution, which grants the president the authority to name the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on the National Judicial Commission’s (NJC) recommendation and subject to the Nigerian Senate’s confirmation, the letter stated.It gives me great pleasure to submit Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON’s candidacy for confirmation as CJN.
“I hope the Senate will give this request prompt consideration and confirmation, but in the meantime, please accept my personal regards and highest consideration, distinguished senate president.”
Remember that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu swore in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) at the State House in Abuja on August 23, 2024. Kekere-Ekun was supposed to serve in an acting capacity following the swearing-in until the Senate confirmed him. At approximately 11:38 a.m., she took her oath. She is the second woman to serve as a justice.
Remember that Justice Kekere-Ekun assumed her proper seat in the Council Chambers to the left of the President following the brief ceremony. Due to the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola and the National Judicial Council’s (NJC) August 15 nomination and presentation of her to President Tinubu, she is currently serving in an acting capacity.
Since Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from July 2012 to November 2014, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is the country’s second female jurist to hold the position. On May 7, 1958, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was born in London, England.
Her legal career began in 1980 at the University of Lagos, where she graduated with her first degree in law. On July 10, 1981, she was admitted to the Nigerian Bar following her graduation from the Nigeria Law School.
