Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been confirmed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by the Senate, pledging zero tolerance for corruption during her tenure.
The Senate confirmed her appointment on Wednesday, following a request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had transmitted a letter to the Senate seeking her confirmation.
Kekere-Ekun had been serving as the acting CJN since August, following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Arriving at the Senate chamber at 12:30pm, she was accompanied by Justices from the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.
During the screening session, which lasted about two hours, senators questioned her on several issues, including judicial reforms.
In response, the newly confirmed CJN emphasized the importance of using technology to speed up the delivery of justice across the country.
She also reiterated her commitment to maintaining the judiciary’s independence, free from external interference.
As Nigeria’s 23rd substantive CJN and the second female to ever hold the position, Kekere-Ekun stated that pre-election matters would now conclude at the Court of Appeal, a move intended to streamline judicial processes.
Her confirmation marks a historic moment in Nigeria’s judiciary as she takes on the role with a firm stance against corruption.
