**ABUJA** – Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has pledged to implement a zero-tolerance policy on corruption within the judiciary. During her screening before the Senate, she emphasized that integrity and strictness would be central to her judicial approach.
Kekere-Ekun assured lawmakers that, upon confirmation, she would prioritize the prompt handling of court petitions. She also promised to safeguard the judiciary from external influences and to advocate for improved welfare and infrastructure within the legal system. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of strengthening national institutions and promoting civic responsibility, particularly during elections, to reduce the likelihood of election disputes leading to court cases.
The Senate began screening Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for the Chief Justice position on Wednesday. Before the process commenced, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved a motion to reorder the legislative agenda, making Kekere-Ekun’s screening the first item of business for the day. The motion received support from Deputy Minority Leader Oyewumi Olalere (PDP, Osun West).
Accompanied by other justices from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, Kekere-Ekun arrived at the Senate Chamber at 12:30 PM. Senator Bamidele invoked Order 12 of the Senate’s Standing Orders to facilitate her entry into the Chamber, which was seconded by Senator Olalere.
President Bola Tinubu submitted a letter to the Senate on Tuesday, seeking the confirmation of Justice Kekere-Ekun as CJN. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter, which was submitted following the Senate’s return from its annual recess. The letter cited Section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution, granting the President authority to appoint the CJN based on the National Judicial Council’s recommendation, subject to Senate confirmation.
In the letter, President Tinubu expressed hope for the swift consideration of Kekere-Ekun’s nomination, stating, “I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CON, for confirmation as CJN.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun was sworn in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Tinubu on August 23, 2024, and is expected to serve in an acting capacity until her confirmation by the Senate. She is notably the second woman to hold the position, following Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served from July 2012 to November 2014.
Born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, Justice Kekere-Ekun began her legal education at the University of Lagos, where she obtained her law degree in 1980. She was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981, after completing her studies at the Nigerian Law School.
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