The Senate has confirmed Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Kekere-Ekun, the 23rd CJN, was confirmed on Wednesday after fielding questions from senators for more than two hours. She has held the office since August in acting capacity.
During the confirmation hearing, the CJN answered questions on the reforms she hopes to introduce as the head of the judicial arm of government.
Responding to questions from the senators, the Acting CJN promised to ensure that the judiciary remains insulated from external influence. Additionally, she committed to advocating for better welfare and infrastructure for the judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the need for strengthening national institutions and ensuring better behavior from the populace, especially during elections. She stressed that such improvements would help reduce the tendency to contest election results in court.
“Especially in criminal matters where you have delays, we will use virtual hearing. It is something I will encourage so that criminal matters will be disposed expeditiously.
“I will employ the use of ADR to decongest matters in the courts. In the courts, there is always a victor and vanquished, but in ADR all the parties will go home satisfied.
“We are exploring ways to ensure that prison decongestion is frequently carried out. Virtual hearings will help fast track cases, the failure to produce defendants is usually the delay in criminal cases,” she said.
Thereafter, Opeyemi Bamidele, majority leader of the senate, said there was no petition against the nomination of Kekere-Ekun as the substantive CJN.
Kekere-Ekun was confirmed after her nomination was put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu wrote to the Senate, seeking the confirmation of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. The President’s letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was submitted upon the Senate’s return from its annual recess, which began in July.
The letter read: “Pursuant to Section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which gives the President the power to appoint the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CON, for confirmation as CJN.”
“I hope that this request will receive the expeditious consideration of the Senate. Please accept, distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards.”
Recall that on August 23, 2024, Justice Kekere-Ekun was sworn in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja. She is expected to serve in an acting capacity until her confirmation by the Senate.
Justice Kekere-Ekun took her oath at 11:38 AM and became the second female to hold the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria, after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar (CJN from July 2012 to November 2014).
Born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, Justice Kekere-Ekun began her legal journey at the University of Lagos, where she obtained her law degree in 1980. After completing her studies at the Nigerian Law School, she was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981.