NJC Sets To Decide Next Chief Justice
The National Judicial Council (NJC) is set to hold a crucial meeting on Friday, August 16, to deliberate on the appointment of a successor to the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Justice Ariwoola is scheduled to retire on August 22, as he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.
According to a reliable source within the Supreme Court told PUNCH that the NJC has finalized plans for this meeting, which will focus on selecting the next Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the lack of authorization to engage with the media, confirmed that the names discussed and proposed during the NJC meeting will be forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for his consideration.
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“The NJC has fixed Friday to meet to decide on the name to be forwarded to the President on who the next CJN would be. No name has been sent to the President yet as the NJC has not even met,” the source told PUNCH.
The Supreme Court is currently composed of a full panel of 21 Justices.
In accordance with the longstanding tradition of the highest court, it is anticipated that the next most senior Justice will assume the role.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun holds the position of the most senior Justice on the Supreme Court bench and is the most probable candidate for succession.
Justice Ariwoola is set to retire from his role as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on August 22, 2024, upon reaching the compulsory retirement age of 70.
The Supreme Court has scheduled a valedictory session on the same date to honor him for his contributions to the nation.
Justice Ariwoola, hailing from Oyo State, was appointed as CJN on October 12, 2022, succeeding Justice Tanko Mohammed from Bauchi State.
According to Section 231 (4) of the 1999 Constitution, Justice Ariwoola’s retirement will pave the way for the appointment of a new CJN, with the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court taking over the position.
This indicates that the responsibility will automatically transfer to Justice Kekere-Ekun, who is the next most senior Justice on the Supreme Court bench.
A source within the Supreme Court had previously informed The PUNCH that Justice Kekere-Ekun’s ascension to the role of the next CJN is “very certain.”
“This one is very certain. You know normally they will send three names but it is always the most senior and even the most senior is already warming up to take over,” the source said.
Upon her confirmation as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kekere-Ekun will make history as the second woman to hold this esteemed position, following Justice Aloma Mukhtar, who served from July 2012 to November 2014.
If confirmed, the 66-year-old Justice Kekere-Ekun will lead the judiciary for a term of four years, concluding in 2028 when she reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70.
A distinguished life bencher, Justice Kekere-Ekun began her professional journey in private legal practice from 1985 until 1989, after which she was appointed as a Senior Magistrate Grade II within the Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989.
On July 19, 1996, she ascended to the position of judge of the High Court of Lagos State. From November 1996 to May 1999, she served as the Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos.
Her elevation to the Court of Appeal occurred on September 22, 2004, where she contributed to various divisions of the court and presided over two divisions (Makurdi and Aku) in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Justice Kekere-Ekun was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria as its fifth female Justice, taking her oath of office on Monday, July 8, 2023.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
