Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who was previously denied entry to the United States due to a controversial judgment, has been appointed as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, according to The Punch. The National Judicial Council recommended her for the position, citing the need to fill the vacancy left by Justice Kayode Ariwoola’s retirement.
Kekere-Ekun’s appointment has raised concerns due to her involvement in a 2020 judgment that declared Hope Uzodimma as the winner of the Imo governorship election, a decision widely criticized as controversial. According to Sahara Reporters, The US government had denied her visa application following this judgment.
Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke had also highlighted this incident in his memoir, stating that the justices involved in the judgment were denied US visas while their aides were granted entry. Duke emphasized the need for accountability and integrity in the judiciary.
Kekere-Ekun’s appointment will be sent to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation, where she is expected to be confirmed easily. However, her controversial past has raised questions about her suitability for the position and the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary.
