by Nurat Uthman
President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, the request was presented in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Kekere-Ekun has been serving as the Acting CJN since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
President Tinubu had previously sworn her in on an interim basis.
In his letter, Tinubu cited Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which grants the president the authority to appoint the CJN based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and subject to Senate confirmation.
Tinubu said, “I hereby forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CON, for confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. I trust that this request will receive the Senate’s prompt consideration and approval.”
Senate President Akpabio subsequently referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for deliberation on Wednesday.
