Reactions trail nomination of Kekere-Ekun by NJC as Chief Justice of Nigeria
Some Lagos-based lawyers have hailed the recommendation of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun by the National Judicial Council (NJC) as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NJC had, during its recent 106th meeting, recommended Kekere-Ekun for appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
A Human Rights Activist, Mr Malachy Ugwummadu, in an interview with NAN on Monday, said that Kekere-Ekun was a thorough judge with a listening ear, a comportment with patience and grace of a judge.
Ugwummadu, a former National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), said Kekere-Ekun was an extremely patient, calm, comported judge but with a very sharp sense and knowledge of the law.
According to him, the nominated judge approaches the dispensation of justice with a magisterial sagacity and accuracy that makes one see that a judge is in control of his court.
He added that it is one of the most exciting promising news in the legal year that had just ended.
Ugwummadu said: “This is one of the most exciting promising news in the legal year that has just ended because for those of us who are in practice, it elicits some excitement that this is coming to reality.
“I have personally appeared before Justice Kekere-Ekun, as a Lagos High Court trial Judge on many occasions, before her promotion to the Supreme Court.
“There are very many aspects of his lordship that stands out as the inimitable virtues of a judge.
“Kekere-Ekun is not in the business of jumping into the arena, she can give the hint when necessary but she is a thorough judge with a listening ear, a comportment with patience and grace of a judge.”
The human rights lawyer further said that he was confident that the judiciary would witness some measurable and remarkable improvements under her leadership.
“Now that the prospect of her becoming the next Chief Justice of Nigeria is getting clearer, it can only bring joy to people like us who have practiced and appeared before my lord.
“I can conveniently say that watching her trajectory in that sector, most importantly in the cases she conducted in which I was involved and other cases she adjudicated on, I see a consummate jurist of high repute.
“I wish that the process will be completed seamlessly and it is my prayer that the country will benefit from her ascendancy into the office,” he said.
Ugwummadu also said he was aware there could be structural, systemic, infrastructural challenges and the menace of corruption hovering around the judicial sector.
However, the lawyer said he believed Kekere-Ekun would be able to bring her moral authority and energy, in particular, knowledge of the law to bare on the administration of the justice delivery sector.
He added that the very recent assent of the president on the payment structure, the 300 per cent increase in the salaries of judicial officers was another coincidence that would impact on Kekere-Ekun’s head ship of the judiciary.
Also, Mr Ige Asemudara, said the nomination of Kekere-Ekun was a right thing to do as she was the most senior judge and very competent.
Asemudara, the Founder of Mission Against Injustice in Nigeria, also said that the nominated judge had no bad record as she was unblemished.
The lawyer said he wished the nominated judge well but there were things to be done most importantly, the docket of Supreme Court which was filled with backlog of cases.
He said: ” I expect my lord to swing to action once she takes the mantle of leadership and ensure that the backlog of cases are cleared.
“Secondly, there is a need to rejig the regulatory framework for the legal profession as well as the disciplining of judges.
“These are the issues I will love my lord to look into.
” I wish my lord the very best on the seat.”
Mr Victor Okpara, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said the nomination of Kekere-Ekun was a round peg in a round hole.
Okpara said the judicial wig fitted well as her records spoke for her.
“From Magistracy to the highest bench with an unblemished record is no mean fit.
“Happy new year to the judiciary,” the learned silk said.
Another Lagos-based Lawyer, Dr. Yemi Omodele said the recommendation of Kekere-Ekun as the CJN was a well deserved recommendation.
According to Modele, Kekere-Ekun is a hard working judge.
“I urge federal government to swiftly confirm the recommendation.
“There will be some intellectual, radical and judicial changes in the judiciary of Nigeria during the tenor of the new CJN,” he said.
NAN reports that if President Tinubu approves the recommendation by the NJC, Justice Kekere–Ekun will become the second female CJN in Nigeria.
Maryam Mukhtar was the first female CJN, serving from July 2012 to November 2014. (NAN)
The Sultan made the announcement in a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Friday, confirming the sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan in various parts of the country.
He stated that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across Nigeria.
“After due verification and authentication by the National Moon Sighting Committee, as well as confirmations from state committees, the new moon of Ramadan was officially recognised, marking the end of Sha’aban 1446 AH.
“In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Saturday, March 1,” the Sultan declared.
He urged Muslim faithful to dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah (SWT) throughout the holy month and to use this period to pray for prevailing peace across the country and also pray for the leaders.
Additionally, the Sultan encouraged wealthy individuals to assist the less privileged, emphasising the importance of religious tolerance and unity among Nigerians.
He prayed to the Almighty to strengthen the leaders in their commitment to leading the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, refers to abstinent from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset with the intention of worshiping Almighty Allah.
NAN also reports that Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred period during which adult Muslims observe compulsory fasting from dawn to sunset for a complete month. (NAN)
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Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and maltreatment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, he said the allegations are grave and deserve to be investigated.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections affirmed that the Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people.
“Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve,” he said.
Atiku noted that as the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility.
“As the chief presiding officer of the Upper Chamber, the Senate President has a duty to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation — not to be the subject of allegations that undermine those very principles,” Atiku stated.
He admonished that the handling of this matter will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.
“I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate itself to take these allegations seriously by ensuring a credible, transparent, and independent investigation.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect,” Atiku concluded.
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Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, The wife of Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, has strongly refuted the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), describing them as entirely false and unfounded.
In a statement to journalists on Friday, Mrs. Akpabio defended her husband’s character, describing him as a disciplined and respectful individual, known for his good humor and deep respect for women.
She stressed that the allegations were baseless and did not reflect the true nature of her husband, asserting that they were a misrepresentation of the man she knows.
The allegations were initially raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who claimed that her challenges in the Senate began after she turned down inappropriate advances from Senator Akpabio.
Mrs. Akpabio quickly dismissed these accusations, emphasizing the longstanding cordial relationship between both families. She firmly rejected the notion that any such incident took place, asserting that it was merely a product of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s imagination.
Recalling the events of December 8, 2023—the date the alleged incident supposedly occurred—Mrs. Akpabio pointed out that she had been present at their family residence on that day. She also stressed the enduring relationship between their families, which had existed long before Natasha’s marriage, further underlining the improbability of the allegations.
Moreover, Mrs. Akpabio praised her husband’s track record in championing women’s participation in governance, citing his unwavering support for female inclusion long before he became Senate President.
In a stern message, she urged women to avoid making unfounded accusations and vowed to pursue legal action to address the matter.