LAGOS (SUNDIATA POST)- Some Lagos-based lawyers have hailed the recommendation of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to President Bola Tinubu for confirmation as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The lawyers said her nomination was well deserved.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Judicial Council had, during its recent 106th meeting, recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun for appointment by Tinubu as the next CJN.
The recommendation was made by the NJC against the backdrop of the fast approaching retirement of the current CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola, on Aug. 22. He was appointed on June 27, 2022.
Speaking in separate interviews with NAN on Saturday in Lagos, the lawyers commended the nomination, describing the development as a step in the right direction.
Prof. Samson Erugo, one of the lawyers, told NAN that the nomination followed the long established practice, where the most senior was appointed as the CJN.
“Kekere-Ekun, has the experience and is very competent.
“The nomination is more of a formality because my Lord, Justice Kekere-Ekun, is the next in seniority to the outgoing CJN.
“She has been at the apex court for a long time and is experienced.
“She is also very competent, the nomination is well-deserved,” Erugo said.
Also speaking, Mr Chibuikem Opara, of Justification Firm, Ikeja, said when the nomination is confirmed, Kekere-Ekun, would be the second female CJN.
Opara expressed optimism that Kekere-Ekun would do well in steering the Supreme Court and the entire judiciary to greater heights.
He, however, said that the image and perception of the judiciary in Nigeria had become ‘very low’.
According to him, the appointment requires a sagacious approach.
“Justice Kekere-Ekun has made pronouncements that formed the current jurisprudence in many fields of law.
“But her leading judgment in the case of Uzodinma vs Ihedioha is still sticky,” Opara said.
He advised Kekere-Ekun to ensure that the judiciary continued to be the last hope of the common man.
On his part, Mr Ganiyu Olanrewaju described her nomination as the next CJN, as a brilliant development.
Olanrewaju told NAN that her vast experience and judicial dexterity made her an excellent choice for the position.
According to Olarenwaju, the appointment has the potential of bringing about positive reforms in the judiciary, particularly in the areas of independence and accountability.
He noted that as a seasoned jurist with a strong track record of upholding the rule of law and promoting justice, she was well-equipped to lead the Nigerian judiciary.
“Her leadership will be crucial in addressing the challenges facing the Nigerian judiciary and restoring public trust.
“It is, however, important to ensure a transparent and merit-based appointment process. This process should be as transparent as possible.
“The NJC must ensure that due diligence is conducted and all allegations against her are thoroughly investigated before confirmation,” he said.
Olanrewaju stressed that it was critical to remember that the appointment process must be free from political interference and undue influence.
Mr Kehinde Nubi, a Principal Counsel at Kehinde Nubi and Associates, said that Justice Kekere-Ekun had paid her dues and that her appointment would be well-deserved.
He added that historically, she was going to be the second female CJN.
He, however, explained that the succession pattern in the judiciary was quite settled, adding that no one ought to be surprised at her recommendation.
“It is like feigning suprise at the emergence of the next chief in line, as Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“My hope is that she will leverage on the seeming inclination of this government to respect the rule of law, to further assert the constitutionally guaranteed independence of the judiciary and further consolidate the gains made so far, by the judiciary.
“She would be the first chief justice that will be taking off with the full complement of 21 justices in the Supreme Court in a long while; an obvious advantage.
“She has the duty to reduce the backlog of cases and ensure speedier dispensation of justice.
I expect a fearless, assertive and a scandal-free tenure,” he said. (NAN)
