The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (CJN).
The announcement was made on August 15, 2024, just days before the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, is set to retire on August 22, 2024, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.
If appointed, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun will be the second woman to hold the prestigious position, following in the footsteps of Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar. Her nomination has sparked anticipation and debate across the country, with many on social media platforms expressing a range of emotions from support to skepticism.
Judge Kekere-Ekun’s career highlights:
- Early Judicial Career: Justice Kekere-Ekun began her judicial career as a Senior Judge II in Lagos State, eventually becoming a Judge of the State High Court. She presided over important cases during her tenure, notably as the Chairman of the Robbery and Arms Court, Zone II, Ikeja.
- High Court: She was promoted to the Court of Appeal in 2004 and to the Supreme Court in July 2013, indicating her rise in the Nigerian judiciary.
Public reaction:
This announcement has sparked widespread discussion:
- Support: Many see her appointment as a step towards gender equality in senior judicial positions, hailing her as a competent and deserving judge.
- Concerns: However, critics have voiced concerns about her perceived closeness to political figures, questioning the independence of her potential tenure. Posts on X have highlighted these concerns, with some users questioning whether her appointment could lead to bias in court decisions.
NJC Decision:
The recommendation was made during the 106th Meeting of the NJC, chaired by the outgoing CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. The decision follows the tradition of the NJC recommending candidates for judicial positions to the President, who then makes the final appointment decision.
Implications for the judiciary:
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s potential appointment could set a precedent for more women in senior judicial roles, potentially influencing judicial policy and legal interpretation in Nigeria. However, the debate over judicial independence continues, with many calling for a judiciary above political influence.
Next steps:
President Tinubu is expected to consider the NJC’s recommendation. If approved, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment will need to be confirmed by the Senate. She will then be sworn in as CJN, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s judicial history.
