Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, has pledged to expedite the resolution of legal petitions to enhance the judiciary’s credibility and efficiency.
Speaking during her Senate screening for confirmation as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized her unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the Nigerian Constitution.
A distinguished alumna of Queens College (1974) and a Life Bencher, she assured Nigerians of her commitment to integrity and discipline. “I am known for integrity and discipline. I will ensure zero tolerance for corruption,” she affirmed.
Kekere-Ekun stressed the need to shield the judiciary from external pressures, advocating for improved welfare for judicial officers to ensure their performance remains optimal. She also promised that the appointment of judicial officers would follow strict guidelines to maintain the highest standards of judicial excellence.
The Acting CJN also called for amendments to Nigeria’s laws to enhance the nation’s judicial independence.
She highlighted the need to limit the number of cases presented before the Supreme Court and advocated for all pre-election disputes to conclude at the Court of Appeal.
“There is a need to strengthen attitudes during elections to reduce the reliance on the courts,” she said.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s screening followed a formal request from President Bola Tinubu, who sent a letter to the Senate on Tuesday, seeking her confirmation as CJN.
She was accompanied to the Senate chambers by other Supreme Court judges and senior aides to the president.
