By Mercy Adewunmi
In a momentous occasion, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been confirmed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria by the Nigerian Senate. Her appointment as the 23rd person to hold this esteemed position and the second female to do so marks a significant milestone in the country’s judiciary.
Nominated by President Bola Tinubu, Justice Kekere-Ekun underwent a thorough confirmation process before the Senate, led by President Godswill Akpabio. Despite the Senate’s decision to suspend its rules to allow her to answer questions during the hearing, Justice Kekere-Ekun confidently addressed lawmakers’ inquiries with poise and expertise.
Throughout the screening process, Justice Kekere-Ekun stressed the importance of upholding judicial integrity, ethical standards, and ensuring efficiency within the judicial system. She proposed limiting the number of cases reaching the Supreme Court, particularly in pre-election matters, advocating for their resolution at the Court of Appeal.
In addition, Justice Kekere-Ekun called for expedited handling of petitions by the National Judicial Council and urged for measures to safeguard the judiciary against external influences, emphasizing the imperative of an independent judiciary.
Following intense scrutiny and rigorous questioning, the Senate voted in favor of confirming Justice Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, a title she has been acting in since August 23 following the retirement of Justice Kayode Ariwoola. With extensive experience as a Supreme Court Justice since 2013, Justice Kekere-Ekun is poised to bring invaluable contributions to the Nigerian judiciary in her new role at the helm as Chief Justice.
