NJC forwards Kekere-Ekun’s nomination to President Tinubu as CJN

In a significant development within Nigeria’s judiciary, the National Judicial Council (NJC) is set to forward the name of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to President Bola Tinubu for approval as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

This follows her recommendation by the NJC during its 106th meeting held on Thursday.

The meeting, presided over by the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, culminated in the decision to recommend Justice Kekere-Ekun for the nation’s top judicial position.

The NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, confirmed that the council has completed its deliberations and is now moving forward with sending her name to the President for final approval.

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s anticipated appointment marks a milestone in the Nigerian judiciary, as she is poised to become one of the few women to have ever held the esteemed position of Chief Justice of Nigeria. Known for her vast experience and dedication to upholding the law, her elevation is expected to bring continuity and stability to the judiciary as she takes over from Justice Ariwoola.

He said, “The meeting just finished today, so tomorrow is when My Lord’s name will be taken to the President for his approval of her as the next CJN.”

This is imperative as Justice Ariwoola will formally bow out of office as the CJN on Thursday, August 22, 2024.

If approved by the President, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become the second female CJN in Nigeria, the first being Justice Mariam Mukhtar, who held the position from July 2012 to November 2014.

Meanwhile, NJC, also at its Thursday meeting, made recommendations of 27 others as judges of state high courts and one Khadi, whose names would be forwarded to their various state governors and the President for approval.

“The council also recommend 27 candidates for appointment as judges of states’ courts and a candidate for appointment as Kadi of the Sharia Court of the FCT, Abuja to their various state governors and Mr. President,” Oye said.

All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn in after the approval of the President and their respective state governors.

Six of the candidates are for the Kwara State High Court. They are Olawoyin Olabisi, Abdulrazaq Funsho, Folorunsho Muritala, Dikko Adebayo, Adeniyi Adenike and Osuolale-Ajayi Olalekan.

There is one candidate for Kaduna State, namely Zubairu Ja’afaru.

Benue State has four candidates: Kor Tersoo, Ikwulono Maimuna, Adagba Julie and Tor Tersugh.

Also for Benue are two candidates for the customary court of appeal: Onche Inalegwu and Igba Terhile.

Rivers has eight high court candidates: Onyiri Frank, Ugoji Chinedum, Obomanu Vidal, Oguguo Chituru, Fubara Elkanah, Kokpan Sylvester, Obu Madighi and Wifa-Adedipe Lesi.

For Ondo, there are six high court candidates: Daomi Adebisi, Fabuluje William, Ogunwumiju Idowu, Demehin-Ogunbayo Happiness, Kpemi Justinah and Adegoroye Adeola.