President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). The request was presented during Tuesday’s plenary session through a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Justice Kekere-Ekun has been serving as Acting CJN since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. President Tinubu had initially appointed her on an interim basis.
In the letter, Tinubu referenced Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the president to appoint the CJN based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), subject to Senate approval.
“I hereby forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CON, for confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. I trust that this request will receive the Senate’s prompt consideration and approval,” Tinubu stated.
Senate President Akpabio referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole, with deliberations scheduled for Wednesday.
