President Bola Tinubu has officially written the Nigerian Senate for screening and Confirmation of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The president letter was read aloud by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio during a session last Tuesday,just as the lawmakers returned from vacation.
The letter read, “Pursuant to 231(1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended which gives the power to the president powers to appoint the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) and subject to confirmation of the Nigerian senate.
“I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as CJN.
“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.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun has been serving as the Acting Chief Justice since August, following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. President Tinubu had earlier sworn her into the acting role.
After the reading of the letter and presentation at the floor of Senate, Senator Akpabio , referred the matter to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration, with deliberations set to take place on Wednesday
However ,justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is the second Nigeria female justice, who is to serve as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who was the Chief Justice of Nigeria between July 2012 and November 2014.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom.
She obtained her first degree in law in 1980 , at the University of Lagos. and completed the Nigeria Law School, she was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981.
