President Bola Tinubu has formally written to the Senate, requesting the confirmation of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The request was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Justice Kekere-Ekun has been serving as the Acting CJN since August, following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. President Tinubu appointed her in an acting capacity after Ariwoola’s retirement.
Citing Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which grants the president the authority to appoint the CJN based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and subject to Senate confirmation, President Tinubu urged the lawmakers to approve the nomination.
In his letter, the president stated, “Pursuant to Section 231(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CON, for confirmation as Chief Justice of Nigeria.”
The Senate is expected to deliberate on the nomination in the coming days. If confirmed, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become the first female CJN, marking a historic milestone in Nigeria’s judiciary.
