President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). This request was communicated in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a session of the upper legislative chamber on Tuesday.
Kekere-Ekun has been serving in an acting capacity since August, following the retirement of former CJN Olukayode Ariwoola. She was sworn into her acting role by President Tinubu, who now seeks to solidify her position as the permanent chief justice.
In his letter, President Tinubu cited Section 231(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which grants the president the authority to appoint the CJN based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) and requires confirmation from the Senate.
“I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as CJN,” Tinubu stated. He expressed hope that the Senate would expedite the consideration and confirmation of his request.
Senate President Akpabio has referred the request to the committee of the whole, which is scheduled to discuss the nomination on Wednesday. The outcome of this confirmation process will be closely monitored as it holds significant implications for Nigeria’s judiciary.
