By Emmanuel Adeleke
President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the council chambers of the presidential villa on Monday, following the confirmation of her nomination by the Senate last week.
Kekere-Ekun, Nigeria’s 23rd CJN and second female in the country’s history, has been in office in acting capacity following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola in August.
During her confirmation hearing on the floor of the Senate, the CJN fielded questions on the reforms she hopes to implement in the judiciary.
“I will ensure that the courts are digitised. It will make it easier in tracking cases and judges could be called to order if they are not treating their cases expeditiously.
Especially in criminal matters where you have delays, we will use virtual hearing. It is something I will encourage so that criminal matters will be disposed expeditiously.
“We are exploring ways to ensure that prison decongestion is frequently carried out.
“Virtual hearings will help fast track cases, the failure to produce defendants is usually the delay in criminal cases,” Kekere-Ekun had said
