President Bola Tinubu has submitted a letter to the Senate, requesting the screening and subsequent confirmation of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The letter was presented on Tuesday by Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio upon the Upper Chamber’s resumption from its annual break that began in July.
In the letter, President Tinubu stated, “Pursuant to 231(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended, which empowers the president to appoint the Chief Justice of Nigeria on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) and subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as CJN.”
He expressed his hope for the swift consideration and confirmation of the request, adding, “Please, accept distinguished Senate President the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards.”
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was sworn in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria on August 23, 2024, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. Following her swearing-in, she was expected to serve in an acting capacity until the Senate confirmation.
She took her Oath around 11:38 am and is the second female Justice to hold this position. Her acting capacity results from the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and her nomination was presented to President Tinubu by the National Judicial Council (NJC) on August 15.