Senate screens Kekere-Ekun for CJN position
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), on Wednesday, appeared before the Senate for screening and confirmation as the substantive CJN.
The screening came after President Bola Tinubu, had sent a letter to the lawmakers which was presented during Tuesday’s plenary session by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
In the 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.”
In the letter, the president 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’s confirmation.
During the screening 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 said.
She also stated that she would not tolerate any form of corruption in the Judiciary.
If confirmed Kekere-Ekun who has been serving in an acting capacity since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, shall become Nigeria’s 23rd substantive Chief Justice and the second female to hold the position in the nation’s history.
