As Kudirat Kekere-Ekun steps into the role of acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) following the retirement of Olukayode Ariwoola on August 22, senior legal experts and civil society leaders are urging her to prioritize elevating the judiciary’s standards and addressing its current challenges.
During a roundtable organized by the TAP Initiative for Citizens Development in partnership with the Network of University Legal Aid Initiative (NULAI), stakeholders underscored the significance of Kekere-Ekun’s tenure, given the critical juncture at which she assumes office, with the judiciary’s credibility under intense scrutiny.
Among the key contributors to the discussion were law professors and Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) Ernest Ojukwu and Samuel Erugo, alongside human rights advocate Aisha Yesufu. Martin Obono, the TAP Initiative’s executive director, highlighted the pressing need for reforms, particularly to curb the misuse of interim injunctions, ex-parte orders, and the issuance of conflicting judgments.
“The incoming CJN needs to focus on discipline, accountability, and resolving the ongoing crises in political cases and election petitions,” Obono emphasized, calling for specific reforms within the Supreme Court to rebuild public trust in the judiciary.
Echoing these concerns, Ogunlana, the executive director of Digicivic Initiative, urged Kekere-Ekun to embrace a comprehensive reform agenda. He pointed out the critical importance of merit-based judicial appointments, continuous training in emerging fields like information technology and artificial intelligence, and the adoption of modern technologies to enhance court efficiency.
“Implementing these reforms will not only restore public confidence but also reinforce the rule of law, ensuring that your tenure is remembered for its lasting impact,” Ogunlana stated.
As Kekere-Ekun takes on the responsibilities of the CJN in an acting capacity, pending her official confirmation, her leadership is expected to be instrumental in shaping the future trajectory of Nigeria’s judiciary.
