During her screening, Justice Kekere-Ekun made clear her stance on judicial reforms, particularly regarding pre-election cases. “All pre-election matters will terminate at the Court of Appeal,” she emphasized. Additionally, she reiterated her commitment to upholding integrity within the judiciary, stating that she has “zero tolerance for corruption” and will not tolerate any form of it in the judicial system.
Kekere-Ekun has been serving as acting CJN since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. Her nomination for the CJN post comes after President Tinubu invoked Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows the president to appoint a Chief Justice based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, subject to Senate confirmation.
In his letter to the Senate, Tinubu expressed confidence in Kekere-Ekun, urging the lawmakers to promptly confirm her appointment. “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.
If confirmed, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become Nigeria’s 23rd Chief Justice and only the second woman to hold this esteemed position in the country’s history.
The Senate, in an unusual move, suspended its standing rules to allow visitors, including Supreme Court judges, judicial officers, and senior presidential aides, to attend the chamber for the screening session.
