The Senate has officially screened Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) following her appointment to act in the role after Olukayode Ariwoola’s retirement in August. The screening took place on Wednesday and was attended by members of the judiciary from various courts and relatives of Justice Kekere-Ekun.
This screening process came just over 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu sent a letter to the Senate, urging them to expedite the confirmation of Justice Kekere-Ekun as CJN. In his correspondence to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu stated,
“I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as CJN.” He expressed hope for prompt consideration of the request, reiterating his high regard for the Senate.
During her screening, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasised her commitment to ensuring that petitions are addressed swiftly to promote integrity within the judiciary. A notable alumnus of Queens College in 1974 and a Life Bencher, she promised to uphold the integrity of the judiciary, respect the rule of law, and defend the Constitution of Nigeria.
“I am known for integrity and discipline. I will ensure zero tolerance for corruption,” Kekere-Ekun stated confidently. She highlighted the necessity of insulating the judiciary from external pressures and advocating for improved welfare for judicial officers to enhance their performance.
In her vision for the judiciary, the Acting CJN proposed stringent appointment processes for judicial officers and called for better legislation to support the country’s autonomy.
Notably, she recommended that all election-related cases be resolved at the Court of Appeal, asserting that fostering better electoral conduct would mitigate the need for frequent recourse to the courts.
This significant appointment aligns with ongoing discussions regarding judicial reforms and integrity within the Nigerian legal system. Stakeholders hope that Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership will usher in a new era of transparency and efficiency in the judiciary.
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