Senate screens Kekere-Ekun for CJN post

The acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Wednesday, appeared before lawmakers at the Senate for screening and confirmation as the substantive CJN.

The screening was coming after the Senate received a letter from President Bola Tinubu, which was presented during Tuesday’s plenary session by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

During the session on Wednesday, Kekere-Ekun declared that all pre-election matters must be concluded at the Court of Appeal.

“All pre-election matters will terminate at the Court of Appeal. I have zero tolerance for corruption,” she stated.

She also frowned against corruption in the judiciary, stating that she would not tolerate any form of it.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, who was sworn in as the acting Chief Justice by President Bola Tinubu, made this assertion during her Senate screening for confirmation as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Kekere-Ekun has been serving in an acting capacity since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

President Tinubu, in his letter to the Senate, cited Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which authorizes the President to appoint a Chief Justice based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, subject to Senate confirmation.

In his letter, Tinubu wrote, “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.”

The Senate President subsequently referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for further deliberation, scheduled for Wednesday.

If confirmed, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become Nigeria’s 23rd substantive Chief Justice and the second female to hold the position in the nation’s history.

During the screening session, the Senate suspended its standing rules to allow visitors, including Supreme Court judges, judicial officers, and senior presidential aides on National Assembly matters, to enter the chamber.