Kekere Ekun To Become CJN- NJC
The most senior justice on the Supreme Court, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has been officially confirmed as Nigeria’s substantive chief justice (CJN).
The 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kekere-Ekun, was confirmed on Wednesday following almost two hours of questioning by senators. Since August, she has served in an acting capacity in this position.
The CJN responded to inquiries on the changes she intends to implement in her new role as head of the government’s judicial branch at the confirmation process.
According to her, in order to relieve the congestion in correctional facilities around the nation, we should promote the use of virtual procedures and alternate dispute resolution (ADR) systems.
“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,” Kekere-Ekun said.
“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.
“I will employ the use of ADR to decongest matters in the courts. In the courts, there is always a victor and vanquished, but in ADR all the parties will go home satisfied.
“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.”
About The Author
