Kekere-Ekun confirmed as second female CJN, pledges ‘zero tolerance’ for corruption
…Promises swift resolution of court petitions in her new role
…Presidency hails appointment as Tinubu’s continued commitment to
The Senate has officially confirmed Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), making her second woman to hold the esteemed position.
The confirmation followed a thorough screening process held at the Committee of the Whole on Wednesday, where Justice Kekere-Ekun appeared alongside fellow Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Recall that Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was on 23rd August, 2024 sworn-in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
While responding to questions asked by the senators,Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasised her commitment to integrity, stating, “I vow to ensure Zero Tolerance for Corruption in the Judiciary.”
She highlighted her track record of strictness and expressed her intention to expedite the resolution of court petitions.
“As CJN, I will ensure that the Judiciary is insulated from External Influence and advocate for improved welfare, particularly regarding infrastructure,” she added.
The appointment follows the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, with Justice Kekere-Ekun having served in an acting capacity prior to this confirmation.
Her nomination by President Bola Tinubu was presented to the Senate, with the President urging swift consideration of her confirmation.
In a letter to the Senate, President Tinubu underscored the constitutional provision for appointing the CJN, expressing confidence that the Senate would expedite the process.
He wrote, “It is my hope that this request will receive the expeditious consideration and confirmation of the senate.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun, born on May 7, 1958, in London, UK, began her legal journey at the University of Lagos, earning her law degree in 1980 before being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981.
Her historic appointment signals a progressive step for gender representation in Nigeria’s judicial system, following in the footsteps of Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served from July 2012 to November 2014.
She was in the acting capacity for now as a result of the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and her nomination and presentation to President Tinubu by the National Judicial Council (NJC) on August 15.
Answering questions from the Senators prior to her confirmation, the then Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, vowed to ensure Zero Tolerance for Corruption in the Judiciary, just as she said that one of the things she is known for is integrity and strictness.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun who noted that when confirmed, she would ensure that Petitions before the Courts are dealt with Speedily, just as she has assured that as CJN, she would ensure that the Judiciary is insulated from External Influence, just as she has promised to push for better welfare for the Judiciary, especially in the area of Infrastructure.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has also stressed the need for the nation’s institutions and people’s behaviour to be strengthened before, during and after elections as that would help discourage going to courts on matters from elections.
President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday written the Senate, seeking for the screening and subsequent confirmation of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN.
President Tinubu’s letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio upon resumption from the annual break the Upper Chamber embarked upon since July.
The letter read, “Pursuant to 231(1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended which gives the power to the president powers to appoint the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) and subject to confirmation of the Nigerian senate.
“I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as CJN.
“While it is my hope that this request will receive the expeditious consideration and confirmation of the senate, please, accept the distinguished senate president the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards.”
Meanwhile, the Presidency has hailed the appointment of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as Chief Justice of Nigeria, characterising it as emblematic of President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering adherence to the principles of seniority and merit within the judiciary.
Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), made this assertion in a statement following the Senate’s confirmation of Kekere-Ekun. He lauded the CJN’s appointment as a reflection of her extensive legal pedigree and the President’s respect for established judicial guidelines.
“The appointment of the CJN is a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s continued commitment to a revamped judiciary,” Lado remarked. “Since taking office, he has shown determination to ensure a judiciary that not only guarantees speedy justice but also delivers fairness to every Nigerian.”
Highlighting recent achievements, Lado pointed out that the addition of 11 justices to the apex court has allowed the Supreme Court to reach its full complement of 21 justices for the first time. He also referenced the President’s assent to the bill raising salaries for judicial officers, part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the judiciary.
“I commend the 10th Senate for their steadfast cooperation in facilitating the implementation of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Lado stated,” he added.
