Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, appeared before the Senate on Wednesday for her screening and confirmation as the substantive Chief Justice.
This followed a letter from President Bola Tinubu, which was presented during Tuesday’s Senate session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The letter requested Kekere-Ekun’s confirmation based on Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows the President to appoint a Chief Justice following the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, subject to Senate approval.
During the screening, Kekere-Ekun emphasized the need for all pre-election matters to be finalized at the Court of Appeal, reiterating her firm stance against corruption. “I have zero tolerance for corruption,” she stated, vowing not to tolerate any form of it in the judiciary.
Kekere-Ekun has served as acting Chief Justice since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. If confirmed, she will become Nigeria’s 23rd Chief Justice and the second woman to hold the position in the country’s history.
The Senate temporarily suspended its standing rules to allow visitors, including Supreme Court judges, judicial officers, and senior presidential aides, to attend the screening session.
