The Senate has officially confirmed Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Her confirmation followed a screening conducted by Senators at the Committee of the Whole on Wednesday.
Kekere-Ekun arrived at the Senate Chamber at 12:30 PM, with the screening starting at 12:47 PM and concluding at 2:41 PM. She was accompanied by other Justices from the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. The process was initiated after Senator Opeyemi Bamidele moved for a re-ordering of the day’s Legislative Business to prioritize her screening, which was seconded by Senator Oyewumi Olalere, the Deputy Minority Leader.
With this confirmation, Kekere-Ekun becomes the second female jurist to serve as Chief Justice of Nigeria, following Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who held the position from July 2012 to November 2014. She had been serving in an acting capacity since the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, following her nomination and presentation to President Tinubu by the National Judicial Council (NJC) on August 15.
During her confirmation hearing, the Acting Chief Justice emphasized her commitment to enforcing zero tolerance for corruption within the judiciary. She highlighted her reputation for integrity and strictness, pledging to ensure that petitions before the courts are resolved promptly. She also promised to insulate the judiciary from external influences and to advocate for improved welfare and infrastructure for judicial personnel.
Justice Kekere-Ekun underscored the importance of strengthening the nation’s institutions and public behavior around elections, which she believes will help reduce litigation related to electoral matters.
President Bola Tinubu had formally requested the Senate’s screening and subsequent confirmation of Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun as CJN earlier that week.