New Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has issued a stern warning against corruption and the misuse of ex-parte orders under her leadership. During her confirmation screening in the Senate, she emphasized her commitment to integrity and a judiciary free from corruption, stating that any judicial officer involved in such practices would face decisive action.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also addressed the media conduct of lawyers, particularly senior ones making authoritative comments on ongoing cases, declaring that such behavior would be sanctioned. She advocated for the digitalization of courts to prevent conflicting judgments and proposed utilizing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to alleviate case congestion.
While responding to suggestions for separate courts for election matters and terrorism, she argued that without proper digitalization, even specialized courts would become congested.
The Senate confirmed her as the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria after a rigorous questioning session, following President Bola Tinubu’s nomination based on recommendations from the National Judicial Council.