Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been confirmed as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by the Nigerian Senate.
News About Nigeria reports that her confirmation follows the request of President Bola Tinubu for the Senate to screen and confirm her on Tuesday.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced Kekere-Ekun’s confirmation during plenary on Wednesday after she was cleared by voice votes.
The new CJN was screened for almost two hours as lawmakers threw various questions at her, particularly on judicial reforms.
During the screening session, the Senate suspended its standing rules to allow visitors, including Supreme Court justices, judicial officers, and senior presidential aides on National Assembly matters, to enter the chamber.
Her confirmation was pursuant to Section 231(1) of the Constitution as amended.
The Senate President, who announced Kekere-Ekun’s confirmation, assured Nigerians that they would get adequate justice under her leadership as CJN.
He also congratulated the new CJN, urging her to uphold the integrity of the judiciary.
During her screening, the new CJN said that her administration would be brutal against corruption in the judiciary.
She also noted that all pre-election matters would end at the Court of Appeal.
“All pre-election matters will terminate at the Court of Appeal. I have zero tolerance for corruption,” she stated.
Recall that President Tinubu had in a letter on Tuesday tasked the Senate to confirm the new CJN saying, “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.”
