President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Senate to consider and confirm the nomination of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Justice Kekere-Ekun, currently serving as the Acting CJN, was nominated for the position on Tuesday, September 24.
In a letter addressed to the Senate, which was read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu cited the constitutional provisions that empower him to make the appointment.
The request was made pursuant to Section 231(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), which allows the President to appoint the CJN on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), subject to Senate confirmation.
In his letter, President Tinubu wrote, “I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as Chief Justice of Nigeria. While it is my hope that this request will receive the expeditious consideration and confirmation of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards.”
If confirmed, Justice Kekere-Ekun would become the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria, a landmark appointment in the nation’s judicial history.
