The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), making her the first woman to hold this prestigious position since Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar served from 2012 to 2014.
This historic confirmation follows her tenure as acting CJN since August and comes after a rigorous two-hour questioning session by senators. Justice Kekere-Ekun, the 23rd CJN, impressed the Senate with her ambitious vision for judicial reform.
During her confirmation hearing, she outlined a commitment to ensure the judiciary remains free from external influence and emphasized the need for improved welfare and infrastructure within the judicial system.
In a powerful statement, she asserted, “We will prioritize the integrity of the judiciary, safeguarding it from outside pressures.”
Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the critical importance of strengthening national institutions and encouraging responsible citizen behavior, particularly during elections, to mitigate the challenges of election disputes in courts.Among her proposed reforms, Kekere-Ekun emphasized the implementation of virtual hearings to expedite criminal cases, tackling the notorious delays that have plagued the system.
“In criminal matters, where delays are frequent, I will advocate for virtual hearings to ensure swift justice,” she said.
Furthermore, she proposed the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods to decongest courts, ensuring that all parties leave satisfied rather than defeated. Kekere-Ekun's focus extends to addressing the pressing issue of prison overcrowding.
“We are exploring effective strategies for regular prison decongestion, which will also help fast-track cases, particularly where the absence of defendants leads to delays,” she explained.
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele confirmed there were no objections to her nomination, paving the way for a unanimous voice vote that secured her position as CJN, a role vital for the integrity of Nigeria's judiciary.This appointment follows President Bola Tinubu's official nomination of Kekere-Ekun to the Senate, which highlighted her extensive legal background, including her academic credentials from the University of Lagos and her call to the Nigerian Bar in 1981.
Justice Kekere-Ekun's ascension marks a significant milestone for gender representation in Nigeria’s judiciary, inspiring a new generation of female legal practitioners in the country. As she steps into her new role, all eyes will be on her to deliver on her ambitious agenda for reform and restore public confidence in Nigeria's judicial system.
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