The Senate will today, Wednesday, conduct the screening of the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for confirmation as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
On Tuesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio confirmed the receipt of a letter from President Bola Tinubu, seeking the Senate’s approval for Kekere-Ekun’s confirmation as the next CJN.
The letter was read during Tuesday’s plenary session.
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Justice Kekere-Ekun has been serving in an acting capacity since August, following the retirement of former CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. President Tinubu had previously appointed her on an interim basis.
In his letter, Tinubu referenced Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the President to appoint the CJN on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and subject to Senate confirmation.
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“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,” President Tinubu wrote.
The nomination was referred to the Committee of the Whole for deliberation today.
If confirmed, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become the 23rd substantive CJN and the second female to hold the office in the history of Nigeria’s judiciary.
