The Senate has officially commenced the screening process for Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who has been nominated as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
This significant legislative session began on Wednesday after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved to prioritize her screening on the day’s agenda. Justice Kekere-Ekun, accompanied by several Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices, arrived at the Senate at 12:30 PM.
Her entry into the chamber was made possible by the invocation of Order 12 of the Senate’s standing rules, which allowed dignitaries to access the Senate. The motion was seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Oyewumi Olalere.
The screening follows a formal letter sent by President Bola Tinubu to the Senate, requesting the confirmation of Justice Kekere-Ekun for the top judicial role. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s letter when the chamber resumed from its annual recess, which started in July.
President Tinubu’s letter underscored the constitutional authority that grants him the power to appoint the CJN based on recommendations from the National Judicial Council (NJC), with the confirmation subject to Senate approval. In the correspondence, the president expressed confidence in the Senate’s swift consideration, conveying his esteem for both the Senate President and the distinguished members.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was sworn in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria on August 23, 2024, by President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. Since then, she has been serving in an acting capacity, awaiting formal Senate confirmation. Her appointment is notable, as she is the second woman to hold this prestigious position in the nation’s history.
