The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), making her the second woman to ever hold the position.
Her confirmation follows a thorough screening by the Senators during a session at the Committee of the Whole on Wednesday, marking a significant moment in Nigeria’s judicial history.
Justice Kekere-Ekun arrived at the Senate Chambers around 12:30 p.m. for her screening. The session commenced at 12:47 p.m. and concluded by 2:41 p.m. During this process, she was accompanied by other prominent figures from the judiciary, including Justices from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Her entry into the Senate Chamber was made possible after Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader from Ekiti Central, moved for a reordering of the day’s legislative agenda to prioritize her screening. This motion was supported by Senator Oyewumi Olalere, the Deputy Minority Leader from Osun West.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s confirmation follows her nomination by the National Judicial Council (NJC) on August 15, after the retirement of the previous Chief Justice, Olukayode Ariwoola.
Until her confirmation, she served in an acting capacity. With her official appointment, she now joins the ranks of her predecessor, Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who made history as the first female Chief Justice between 2012 and 2014.
During her screening, Justice Kekere-Ekun vowed to implement a “Zero Tolerance for Corruption” in the judiciary. Known for her integrity and strict adherence to the law, she assured the Senators that, under her leadership, cases would be handled swiftly and the judiciary would be protected from external influences. She also promised to advocate for better infrastructure and welfare for the judiciary.
