Breaking: Kekere-Ekun appears before Senate for screening, vows to tackle corruption

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA – The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has vowed to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on corruption in the judiciary.

She emphasised that integrity and strictness are central to her judicial approach.

Kekere-Ekun, who appeared before the Senate for screening, assured lawmakers that, once confirmed, she would prioritise the speedy handling of petitions before the courts.

Responding to questions from the senators, the Acting CJN promised to ensure that the judiciary remains insulated from external influence. Additionally, she committed to advocating for better welfare and infrastructure for the judiciary.

Justice Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the need for strengthening national institutions and ensuring better behavior from the populace, especially during elections. She stressed that such improvements would help reduce the tendency to contest election results in court.

Meanwhile, the Senate has commenced the screening of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Before the screening began on Wednesday, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved a motion to reorder the legislative agenda, allowing the screening of Kekere-Ekun to be the first item on the day’s business. The motion was seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Oyewumi Olalere (PDP, Osun West).

Kekere-Ekun, accompanied by other Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices, arrived at the Senate Chamber at 12:30 PM. Senator Bamidele invoked Order 12 of the Senate’s Standing Orders to permit her and her entourage to enter, which was seconded by Senator Olalere.

The Acting CJN was led into the Chamber by Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters.

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu wrote to the Senate, seeking the confirmation of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. The President’s letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was submitted upon the Senate’s return from its annual recess, which began in July.

The letter read: “Pursuant to Section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which gives the President the power to appoint the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CON, for confirmation as CJN.”

“I hope that this request will receive the expeditious consideration of the Senate. Please accept, distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards.”

Recall that on August 23, 2024, Justice Kekere-Ekun was sworn in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja. She is expected to serve in an acting capacity until her confirmation by the Senate.

Justice Kekere-Ekun took her oath at 11:38 AM and became the second female to hold the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria, after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar (CJN from July 2012 to November 2014).

Born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, Justice Kekere-Ekun began her legal journey at the University of Lagos, where she obtained her law degree in 1980. After completing her studies at the Nigerian Law School, she was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981.

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