President Bola Tinubu has officially requested the Senate to confirm Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as Nigeria’s substantive Chief Justice. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Tinubu’s letter during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Kekere-Ekun has been serving as Acting CJN since August, following Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’s retirement. Tinubu had previously sworn her in on an interim basis.
Tinubu cited Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the president to appoint the CJN based on the National Judicial Council’s recommendation and subject to Senate confirmation.
In his letter, Tinubu stated, “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.”
Akpabio referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for deliberation on Wednesday.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s confirmation would solidify her position as Nigeria’s top jurist. The Senate’s decision will significantly impact the country’s judicial landscape.
