…stamp out corruption in the judiciary
Nigerians have said that the New Chief Justices of the Nigerian, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun must stamp out corruption that is thriving in the Judiciary
On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed her appointment as substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria after screening.
Nelson Olanipekun, deputy director of Citizens Gavel while speaking on Channels Television Programme, Morning Brief stated that the issue of corruption is the first task that the new chief justice must tackle.
He said there is a lack of rule of law in the Judiciary, stating that other institutions would certainly be fixed if the judiciary is fixed.
He urged her to ensure judicial reform in her tenure.
The development came after President Bola Tinubu wrote to the Senate on Tuesday, seeking her confirmation as the CJN.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read Tinubu’s letter during plenary on Tuesday.
In the letter, Tinubu cited Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers him to appoint the CJN based on recommendations from the National Judicial Council, pending Senate approval.
The President expressed confidence in her nomination and urged the Senate to act urgently.
“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,” Tinubu stated in his message to the lawmakers.
Senate President Akpabio then referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for deliberation on the next legislative sitting.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) in August recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to President Tinubu as successor to the former CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
The 66-year-old jurist has been serving as the Acting CJN since Justice Ariwoola retired last month.
Kekere-Ekun is the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria and the second Nigeria female jurist to serve in that position.
The first female to occupy the exalted seat was Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who was the CJN between July 2012 and November 2014.
Kekere-Ekun was born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom. Her journey in the legal profession commenced at the University of Lagos where she obtained her first degree in law in 1980.