Senate Confirms Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as Chief Justice of Nigeria

The Senate has confirmed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the confirmation during Wednesday’s plenary session, following her clearance through voice votes.

Kekere-Ekun underwent nearly two hours of rigorous questioning from lawmakers, who primarily focused on judicial reforms. Afterward, she was officially cleared by the senators at the Committee of the Whole.

This confirmation aligns with Section 231 (1) of the Constitution as amended. Following the announcement, Akpabio assured the public that Nigeria would receive fair justice under Kekere-Ekun’s leadership, congratulating her and urging her to maintain the integrity of the judiciary.

During her screening, Kekere-Ekun emphasized her strong stance against corruption within the judicial system. “All pre-election matters will terminate at the Court of Appeal. I have zero tolerance for corruption,” she stated.

Her screening came after the Senate received a letter from President Bola Tinubu, which Akpabio presented in Tuesday’s session. Kekere-Ekun has served in an acting capacity since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

In his letter, Tinubu cited Section 231(1) of the Constitution, which permits the President to appoint a Chief Justice based on the National Judicial Council’s recommendation, subject to Senate confirmation. He 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 discussion. Justice Kekere-Ekun now becomes Nigeria’s 23rd substantive Chief Justice and the second woman to hold this prestigious position in the nation’s history.

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