President Bola Tinubu has formally nominated Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), seeking Senate confirmation.
In a letter to the Senate, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, Tinubu cited Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution. This section grants the President authority to appoint the CJN, subject to Senate confirmation, upon 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,” Tinubu stated. “I trust that this request will receive the Senate’s prompt consideration and approval.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun has been serving as Acting CJN since August, following Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’s retirement. The Senate Committee of the Whole will deliberate on her nomination on Wednesday. Confirmation would solidify her position as head of Nigeria’s judiciary.
