-Deborah Akinyosoye
The Senate has confirmed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced Kekere-Ekun’s confirmation during plenary on Wednesday after she was cleared by voice votes.
The new CJN was screened for almost two hours as lawmakers threw various questions at her, particularly on judicial reforms.
Kekere-Ekun was thereafter cleared by the senators at the Committee of the Whole.
The confirmation was pursuant to Section 231 (1) of the Constitution as amended.
After announcing the confirmation, Akpabio assured all that Nigeria would get adequate justice under the leadership of Kekere-Ekun as the new CJN.
The Senate President, thereafter, congratulated the new CJN and urged her to uphold the integrity of the judiciary.
During her screening, she emphasized her firm against corruption in the judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who was sworn in as the acting CJN by President Bola Tinubu, made this assertion during her Senate screening for confirmation as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.
“All pre-election matters will terminate at the Court of Appeal. I have zero tolerance for corruption,” she stated.
The screening took place after the Senate received a letter from the President, which was presented during Tuesday’s plenary session by Akpabio.
Kekere-Ekun has been serving in an acting capacity since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Tinubu, in his letter to the Senate, cited Section 231(1) of the Constitution, which authorises the President to appoint a Chief Justice based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, subject to Senate confirmation.
In his letter, Tinubu wrote, “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 subsequently referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for further deliberation.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is now Nigeria’s 23rd substantive Chief Justice and the second female to hold the position in the nation’s history.
During the screening session, the Senate suspended its standing rules to allow visitors, including Supreme Court justices, judicial officers, and senior presidential aides on National Assembly matters, to enter the chamber.