By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
Yesterday, President Bola Tinubu asked the Senate to screen for confirmation of the appointment of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Tinubu, in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said his request was by the nation’s constitution.
Part of the letter read, “Pursuant to 231(1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended, which gives the power to the president to appoint the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) and subject to confirmation of the Nigerian senate, I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as CJN.
“I hope this request will receive expeditious consideration and confirmation from the Senate.”
Tinubu swore in Kekere-Ekun as acting CJN on August 23, and he administered her oath of office.
Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River State, condemned the president’s decision to swear in Kekere-Ekun.
Duke said Tinubu erred in law by doing that without the Senate’s approval.
Adegbonmire, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), explained then that Duke was wrong, saying, “An acting CJN can only act for three months.”
The Senator said, “A substantive CJN occupies the office beyond that period and until he retires or is removed in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.
“Please, Donald Duke doesn’t know what he is talking about. People don’t take the time to understand an issue before passing comments,” he said.
