Breaking: Senate confirms Kekere-Ekun as Chief Justice of Nigeria

In a significant development for Nigeria’s judiciary, the Senate has officially confirmed Justice Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

The confirmation followed a rigorous screening process and marks a historic appointment, making her the first female CJN in the country’s history.

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s confirmation comes after months of speculation regarding who would succeed the outgoing CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired earlier this year.

Kekere-Ekun, who had been serving as a Justice of the Supreme Court since 2011, was nominated by President Bola Tinubu, receiving widespread support from legal professionals and civil society.

During the Senate’s plenary session, her confirmation was met with applause from lawmakers, acknowledging her remarkable career and contributions to Nigeria’s legal system.

The Senate’s approval followed a comprehensive vetting process in which she answered questions about her judicial philosophy, the independence of the judiciary, and key legal issues facing the nation.

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Justice Kekere-Ekun is known for her extensive experience and deep understanding of Nigerian law.

A graduate of the University of Lagos, she began her legal career as a state counsel in Lagos before joining the bench as a judge of the Lagos High Court. She rose through the ranks, eventually being appointed as a Justice of the Court of Appeal and later, the Supreme Court.

Over the years, she has gained a reputation for her firm but fair judgments, particularly in landmark cases involving constitutional matters, electoral disputes, and human rights issues. Many analysts see her appointment as a continuation of her legacy of impartiality, intellectual rigor, and commitment to upholding the rule of law.

The confirmation of Kekere-Ekun as CJN has generated widespread reactions from across Nigeria’s legal and political landscape. Legal experts have praised her deep knowledge of constitutional law and her track record of delivering clear, reasoned judgments.

Dr. Paul Ananaba, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), noted, “Justice Kekere-Ekun’s elevation is well-deserved. She has demonstrated a profound understanding of the law and has been a staunch defender of judicial integrity.”

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Others have highlighted the symbolic importance of her appointment, as it marks a turning point for gender representation at the highest level of Nigeria’s judiciary.

Ezeilo Njideka, a legal activist, commented, “This is not just a victory for Kekere-Ekun but for women across Nigeria. It shows that gender is no barrier to reaching the pinnacle of the judiciary.”

While her appointment has been widely praised, Justice Kekere-Ekun faces several significant challenges as she takes the helm of Nigeria’s judiciary.

The country’s judicial system has long been criticized for delays in case resolution, a backlog of unresolved cases, and perceived political interference.

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