Today (Friday), the National Judicial Council (NJC) will formally submit the nomination of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to President Bola Tinubu for approval as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). This follows her endorsement by the NJC on Thursday during its 106th meeting, chaired by the outgoing CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
The NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, confirmed to newsmen that the next procedural step is for the President to review and approve Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment. He noted, “The meeting has concluded, so the following day is when Justice Kekere-Ekun’s name will be presented to the President for approval as the incoming CJN.”
Justice Ariwoola is set to retire from the CJN position on Thursday, August 22, 2024. If approved, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become Nigeria’s second female CJN, following Justice Mariam Mukhtar, who served from July 2012 to November 2014.
Additionally, during the same meeting, the NJC recommended 27 candidates for state high courts and one Khadi for the Sharia Court of the FCT, Abuja. These names will be forwarded to their respective state governors and the President for final approval.
Among the nominees:
Kwara State High Court: Olawoyin Olabisi, Abdulrazaq Funsho, Folorunsho Muritala, Dikko Adebayo, Adeniyi Adenike, Osuolale-Ajayi Olalekan.
Kaduna State: Zubairu Ja’afaru.
Benue State: Kor Tersoo, Ikwulono Maimuna, Adagba Julie, Tor Tersugh, and two for the customary court of appeal: Onche Inalegwu and Igba Terhile.
Rivers State High Court: Onyiri Frank, Ugoji Chinedum, Obomanu Vidal, Oguguo Chituru, Fubara Elkanah, Kokpan Sylvester, Obu Madighi, Wifa-Adedipe Lesi.
Ondo State High Court: Daomi Adebisi, Fabuluje William, Ogunwumiju Idowu, Demehin-Ogunbayo Happiness, Kpemi Justinah, Adegoroye Adeola.
