In a significant development, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to succeed Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
This historic recommendation, made during the NJC’s 106th meeting, marks a milestone in the country’s judicial history, as Justice Kekere-Ekun would become the second female CJN, following in the footsteps of Justice Mariam Mukhtar.
The NJC’s recommendation is subject to approval by President Bola Tinubu.
If confirmed, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment would be a significant achievement, given her distinguished career and contributions to the Nigerian judiciary.
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In addition to recommending Justice Kekere-Ekun as CJN, the NJC also nominated 27 other candidates for appointment as judges of state high courts and one candidate for appointment as Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, FCT Abuja.
These recommendations will be forwarded to the respective state governors and the President for approval.
The full list of recommended candidates includes:
- Six judges for the High Court of Kwara State.
- One judge for the High Court of Kaduna State.
- Four judges for the High Court of Benue State.
- Two judges for the Customary Court of Appeal, Benue State.
- Eight judges for the High Court of Rivers State.
- Six judges for the High Court of Ondo State.
- One Kadi for the Sharia Court of Appeal, FCT Abuja.
These appointments aim to strengthen the Nigerian judiciary and ensure the fair administration of justice.
The recommended candidates are expected to be sworn in after the approval of the NJC recommendations by the President and their respective state governors.