The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the role of Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
This recommendation comes as the current CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, prepares to retire on August 22, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
During its 160th meeting in Abuja, the NJC also recommended 28 individuals for judicial appointments across various courts. This includes 27 candidates for positions as judges in state courts and one candidate for the role of Kadi at the Sharia Court of Appeal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The appointments are now awaiting approval from the President and the respective state governors.
Among the recommendations, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun stands out as the nominee for CJN.
The NJC recommended six candidates for judicial appointments in Kwara State. They are:
– Ibijoke Olabisi Olawoyin
– Fatimah Funsho Abdulrazaq
– Oba Muritala Folorunsho
– Yusuf Adebayo Dikko
– Oluwatosin Adenike Adeniyi
– Temitope Olalekan Osuolale-Ajayi
In Kaduna State, Zubairu Murtala Ja’afaru was recommended as a judge of the High Court.
Benue State will see four new High Court judges if the recommendations are approved:
– Vincent Tersoo Kor
– Maigida Maimuna Ikwulono
– Nguhemen Julie Tor Adagba
– Damian Tersugh
Additionally, Onche Ogah Inalegwu and Igba Theophilus were recommended as judges for the Benue State Customary Court of Appeal.
For Rivers State, the NJC recommended eight candidates for the High Court:
– Frank Onyiri
– Victor Chinedum Ugoji
– Godswill Vidal Obomanu
– Rita Chituru Oguguo
– Alatuwo Elkanah Fubara
– Bariyima Sylvester Kokpan
– Ibietela Innocent Madighi Obu
– Lesi Wifa-Adedipe
Ondo State’s High Court bench may also expand with six new judges:
– Williams Adebisi Daomi
– Adewumi William Fabuluje
– Mobayonle Ogunwumiju
– Inumidun Happiness Demehin-Ogunbayo
– Ojufisintei Justinah Kpemi
– Olufunke Adeola Adegoroye
Lastly, Muhammad Lawal Munir has been recommended for the position of Kadi at the Sharia Court of Appeal in FCT, Abuja.
The NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, stated that the recommended candidates will be sworn in following the approval of their appointments by the President and the relevant state governors.
