The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has vowed to ensure that petitions are dealt with speedily to foster integrity within the judiciary.
Justice Kekere- Ekun, a 1974 Queens College Alumnus and a Life Bencher pledged to do her best and uphold the integrity of the judiciary, the rule of law and defend the Constitution of Nigeria.
She made the vow during her appearance before the Senate on Wednesday for screening and confirmation as the substantial CJN.
“I am known for integrity and discipline, I will ensure zero tolerance for corruption,” Kekere-Ekun assured.
“There is a need to insulate the judiciary, push for better welfare for judicial officers to ensure they perform at their optimal. Appointment of Judicial officers will also be stringently done.”
The Acting CJN also called for improvement in the laws to enhance the nations independence while underscoring the restriction in the number of cases presented to the Supreme Court.
She particularly suggested that all pre-election cases should terminate at the Court of Appeal.
According to her, there is the need to strengthen attitude during elections to obliterate the need to head to always court.
When asked about the abuse of Ex parte orders, the CJN asserted that any officer found culpable will be dealt with decisively. She avers that where there are indiscriminate grants of interim injunctions as well, same will apply.
The Acting CJN warned that there will be a tightening of the existing disciplinary procedures within the judiciary.
In the ensuing question and answer session, Senator Benson Konbowei, representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District asked the CJN to reveal corrupt Nigerians within the Senate or Executive, against the backdrop of comments made by the former UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, who had described Nigerians as fantastically corrupt.
She responded by dismissing his question as rhetorical, having had the backing of the Senate President to move on.
The President of the senate, Senator Akpabio, however cited a matter where according to him, very senior members of the bar go on Television to comment on cases that are subjudice thereby influencing their outcomes through their comments and analysis.
He sought to know if punitive measures will be meted out under her tenure. In response, the Acting CJN assured that she will ensure that those complicit will have no hiding place and will be dealt with decisively.
Senators across the six geo-political zones having had their turns during the screening to interrogate the Acting CJN, she was asked to take a bow and leave.
Following President Bola Tinubu’s letter to the Senate on Tuesday, seeking the confirmation of Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), the lawmakers commenced her screening on Wednesday.
She was admitted to the Senate chambers alongside other accompanying judges of the Supreme Court, judicial officers, and senior assistants to the president on National Assembly matters.