The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has vowed to enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy on corruption within the judiciary. During her Senate screening, Justice Kekere-Ekun assured lawmakers that integrity and fairness will be the cornerstones of her leadership approach, if confirmed as CJN.
Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, she emphasised her commitment to preserving the judiciary’s independence and preventing external influences from undermining its processes. Justice Kekere-Ekun also highlighted her plans to improve the welfare and infrastructure of the judiciary, ensuring that judges and court officials have the resources necessary to fulfil their duties.
In addition, the Acting CJN promised to prioritise the efficient handling of cases, especially election-related petitions, with a focus on reducing delays in the judicial process. She stressed the importance of strengthening national institutions and promoting better behaviour among the populace, particularly during elections. According to her, such reforms could minimise the frequency of contested election results being brought before the courts.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s screening began after the Senate reordered its agenda for the day, with Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) and Deputy Minority Leader Senator Oyewumi Olalere (PDP, Osun West) moving the necessary motions. She was accompanied by a delegation of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices, and was led into the Chamber by Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters.
President Bola Tinubu had previously written to the Senate, seeking her confirmation as Chief Justice of Nigeria, following her appointment as Acting CJN on August 23, 2024. In his letter, the President highlighted the constitutional basis for her nomination, expressing his confidence in the Senate’s timely approval of her appointment.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who took the oath of office as the 23rd CJN in an acting capacity, is now on the verge of becoming the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria, following in the footsteps of Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served from 2012 to 2014.
Born in London on May 7, 1958, Justice Kekere-Ekun began her legal career after earning her law degree from the University of Lagos in 1980. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981 and has since risen through the ranks, earning a reputation for her integrity and dedication to justice.
