The Senate of Nigeria on Wednesday conducted a screening session for the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who is set to be confirmed as the substantive Chief Justice.
The session followed President Bola Tinubu’s official nomination of Kekere-Ekun for the role, as outlined in a letter sent to the Senate on Tuesday.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who has been serving as Acting CJN since August, was appointed to the acting position following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Her nomination by President Tinubu was in accordance with Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which grants the President the power to appoint a Chief Justice, provided that it is based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and approved by the Senate.
During Wednesday’s screening, Justice Kekere-Ekun addressed the Senate, speaking passionately about her vision for the judiciary. She highlighted the importance of fighting corruption, making it clear that she has “zero tolerance for corruption” within the judiciary.
Additionally, she emphasized the need for all pre-election matters to be finalized at the Court of Appeal, ensuring a faster and more efficient handling of election-related cases.
“All pre-election matters will terminate at the Court of Appeal. I have zero tolerance for corruption,” she declared, reiterating her firm stance on maintaining integrity in the nation’s judiciary system.
The Senate also made special accommodations for the screening, suspending its standing rules to allow high-ranking visitors to attend the session. Among those present were several Supreme Court judges, other judicial officers, and senior aides involved in National Assembly affairs.
If confirmed, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun will become the 23rd substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria and only the second female to hold this esteemed position in the country’s history.
