By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially made a request to the Nigerian Senate for the confirmation of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
During a plenary on Tuesday, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio read aloud a letter conveying the President’s request.
In his letter, Tinubu said he has nominated Kekere-Ekun as the CJN using his powers under Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution.
He stated: “Under 231(1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended which gives the power to the president powers to appoint the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) and subject to confirmation of the Nigerian senate.
“I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as CJN.
“While I hope that this request will receive the expeditious consideration and confirmation of the senate, please, accept distinguished senate president the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards.”
Following the presentation, Akpabio referred the matter to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration, with deliberations set to take place on Wednesday.
The New Diplomat reports that Justice Kekere-Ekun has been serving as the Acting Chief Justice since August, following the retirement of the immediate-past CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
