The Senate will today (Wednesday) screen the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for possible confirmation as the substantive CJN.
The Red Chamber, on Tuesday, confirmed the receipt of a letter from President Bola Tinubu seeking the Kekere-Ekun’s confirmation as the substantive CJN.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, the President’s request was presented in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Kekere-Ekun has been serving as the acting CJN since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
President Tinubu had previously sworn her in on an interim basis.
In his letter, President Tinubu cited Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which grants the President the authority to appoint the CJN based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and subject to Senate confirmation.
President Tinubu said, “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 deliberation on Wednesday.
If confirmed, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become the 23rd substantive CJN and the second female to hold the office in the history of the nation’s judiciary.
