President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Nigerian Senate to confirm 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 a session on Tuesday.
Justice Kekere-Ekun has been serving as Acting Chief Justice since August, following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. She was sworn into the acting position by President Tinubu earlier this year.
In his letter, the President cited Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which grants the President authority to appoint the CJN based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) and subject to Senate confirmation.
“I am pleased to submit the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as Chief Justice of Nigeria,” Tinubu wrote. He expressed hope for swift Senate action, adding, “Please accept, distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards.”
Following the reading of the letter, Senate President Akpabio referred the matter to the Committee of the Whole for further review, with deliberations set for Wednesday.
