The National Judicial Council (NJC), under the leadership of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, has recommended Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, CFR, for appointment as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The recommendation follows the impending retirement of Justice Ariwoola, who is set to step down on August 22.
This development was made known on Thursday in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), by the Council’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, Esq.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who is poised to take over the mantle as Chief Justice, has been recognised for her exemplary service and contributions to the judiciary. Her nomination marks a historic milestone, positioning her to lead Nigeria’s judiciary at a crucial time.
In addition to the recommendation for the Chief Justice, the NJC has also put forward the names of 27 candidates for appointment as judges across various state courts, along with one candidate for the position of Kadi at the Sharia Court of Appeal, FCT, Abuja.
These recommendations were made during the NJC’s 106th meeting, held on Wednesday and Thursday..
The detailed list of recommended appointees includes:
Chief Justice of Nigeria:
1. Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, CFR
High Court of Kwara State – Six Judges:
1. Olawoyin, Ibijoke Olabisi
2. Abdulrazaq, Fatimah Funsho
3. Folorunsho, Oba Muritala
4. Dikko, Yusuf Adebayo
5. Adeniyi, Oluwatosin Adenike
6. Osuolale-Ajayi, Temitope Olalekan
High Court of Kaduna State – One Judge:
1. Zubairu, Murtala Ja’afaru
High Court of Benue State – Four Judges:
1. Kor, Vincent Tersoo
2. Ikwulono, Maigida Maimuna
3. Adagba, Nguhemen Julie
4. Tor, Damian Tersugh
Customary Court of Appeal, Benue State – Two Judges:
1. Onche, Ogah Inalegwu
2. Igba, Theophilus Terhile
High Court of Rivers State – Eight Judges:
1. Onyiri, Frank
2. Ugoji, Victor Chinedum
3. Obomanu, Godswill Vidal
4. Oguguo, Rita Chituru
5. Fubara, Alatuwo Elkanah
6. Kokpan, Bariyima Sylvester
7. Obu, Ibietela Innocent Madighi
8. Wifa-Adedipe, Lesi
High Court of Ondo State – Six Judges:
1. Daomi, Williams Adebisi
2. Fabuluje, Adewumi William
3. Ogunwumiju, Mobayonle Idowu
4. Demehin-Ogunbayo, Inumidun Happiness
5. Kpemi, Ojufisintei Justinah
6. Adegoroye, Olufunke Adeola
Sharia Court of Appeal, FCT Abuja – One Kadi:
1. Muhammad, Lawal Munir
The NJC’s recommendations will now await the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the respective state governors. Upon approval, the appointed judges and the new Chief Justice of Nigeria will be formally sworn into their respective roles, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s judicial history.
Melissa Enoch
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