President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). In a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, Tinubu emphasized the need for swift Senate approval, citing Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows the President to appoint a CJN based on recommendations from the National Judicial Council (NJC).
“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,” Tinubu wrote.
Justice Kekere-Ekun has been serving as the Acting CJN since Justice Olukayode Ariwoola retired last month. At 66 years old, she is the second female to hold the CJN position in Nigeria’s history, following Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar. Her nomination is now awaiting Senate deliberation.
