The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The confirmation came on Wednesday after she was screened and cleared by the Senate during its plenary session.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced Kekere-Ekun’s confirmation following a voice vote. The confirmation follows Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows the President to appoint a CJN with Senate approval.
Kekere-Ekun was questioned by lawmakers for nearly two hours, focusing on judicial reforms and her stance on corruption. She assured the Senate of her commitment to maintaining integrity in the judiciary. “I have zero tolerance for corruption,” she said during the screening.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also discussed reforms, stating that all pre-election matters would now be handled by the Court of Appeal. She was originally appointed as acting CJN by President Bola Tinubu after the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola in August.
Following her confirmation, Senate President Akpabio congratulated the new CJN and expressed confidence that she would ensure justice is served fairly in Nigeria. “Under your leadership, Nigeria will get adequate justice,” he said.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is now Nigeria’s 23rd Chief Justice and the second woman to hold this prestigious position.
During the screening, the Senate made special arrangements by suspending its rules to allow visitors, including Supreme Court justices and other judicial officers, to witness the event.
