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Kekere-Ekun tipped for new CJN by Judicial Council (update)
The National Judicial Council (NJC), on August 15, 2024, has endorsed Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), set to succeed Olukayode Ariwoola when he retires in a week.
Mr. Ariwoola, who assumed the role of CJN two years ago, will retire upon reaching the age of 70 on August 22, 2024
To ensure a smooth transition, the NJC recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun for CJN to President Tinubu after today’s meeting.
If approved by the president, Kekere-Ekun will become Nigeria’s second female CJN, following Justice Mariam Mukhtar, who served from July 2012 to November 2014.
NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, announced this in a statement today, detailing decisions made during the NJC’s 106th meeting.
The statement also noted that the NJC recommended 26 additional candidates for judicial appointments in various states.
A candidate for the position of Kadi of the Sharia Court of the FCT, Abuja, was also recommended.
Including the CJN nominee, the total number of individuals recommended for various judicial appointments rises to 28.
All recommended candidates are anticipated to be sworn in following the President’s approval of the NJC’s recommendations and confirmation by their respective state governors.
List of the recommended judges
High Court of Kwara State:
1. Olawoyin, Ibijoke Olabisi
2. Abdulrazaq, Fatimah Funsho
3. Folorunsho, Oba Muritala
4. Dikko, Yusuf Adebayo
5. Adeniyi, Oluwatosin Adenike
6. Osuolale-Ajayi, Temitope Olalekan
High Court of Kaduna State:
1. Zubairu, Murtala Ja’afaru
High Court of Benue State:
1. Kor, Vincent Tersoo
2. Ikwulono, Maigida Maimuna
3. Adagba, Nguhemen Julie
4. Tor, Damian Tersugh
Customary Court of Appeal, Benue State:
1. Onche, Ogah Inalegwu
2. Igba, Theophilus Terhile
High Court of Rivers State:
1. Onyiri, Frank
2. Ugoji, Victor Chinedum
3. Obomanu, Godswill Vidal
4. Oguguo, Rita Chituru
5. Fubara, Alatuwo Elkanah
6. Kokpan, Bariyima Sylvester
7. Obu, Ibietela Innocent Madighi
8. Wifa-Adedipe, Lesi
High Court of Ondo State:
1. Daomi, Williams Adebisi
2. Fabuluje, Adewumi William
3. Ogunwumiju, Mobayonle Idowu
4. Demehin-Ogunbayo, Inumidun Happiness
5. Kpemi, Ojufisintei Justinah
6. Adegoroye, Olufunke Adeola
Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, FCT Abuja:
1. Muhammad, Lawal Munir
These recommendations are pending approval by the President and the respective state governors before the appointments can be finalized.
Notable judgments made by justice Kekere-Ekun
Justice Kekere-Ekun has served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria since her appointment in 2013.
Her tenure has been marked by a blend of high-profile decisions and a strong reputation for legal rigor.
Below are the key judgements made during her time:
2019 Presidential Election Petition: One of her most notable contributions was her role in the 2019 Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
She was part of the panel that upheld President Muhammadu Buhari’s election.
The judgment was controversial but pivotal. It addressed key issues regarding the conduct of elections in Nigeria.
This included the use of electronic transmission of results and the validity of the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Protection of Constitutional Rights: In the case of Aminu Tambuwal v. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (2016), Justice Kekere-Ekun played a crucial role in upholding the doctrine of fair hearing.
She also supported the right to a fair trial.
Her judgment reinforced the importance of due process in the Nigerian legal system, particularly in matters involving the removal of public officials.
Advocacy for Judicial Reforms: Throughout her career, Justice Kekere-Ekun has been a strong advocate for judicial reforms in Nigeria.
She has emphasized the need for a more efficient judiciary, particularly in reducing delays and ensuring that justice is accessible to all Nigerians.
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