Transitional Council Chairman of Orumba North Local Government Area in Anambra State, Casmier Nwafor, has urged the new Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to pay attention to erring jurists.

Mr Nwafor said during an interview that the arrival of a second female CJN was proof of the rising role of women in the judiciary.

He said, “As a lawyer, I am happy that we have another female CJN. She is coming at a time when jurists get muddled up in so much controversy with no one beaming the search lights on them or punishing such misdemeanours. We have had lots of contradictory judgments which really ridiculed the legal profession. I expect the new CJN to sanitise the judiciary and restore people’s confidence in the legal system. 

“We want to see a truly independent judiciary where hopes of the common man will be secured.’’

Ms Kekere-Ekun will operate in an acting capacity pending her confirmation by the Senate.

She replaces Justice Olukayode Ariwoola who retired recently.

Ms Kekere-Ekun is the second female lead jurist after Justice Aloma Mukhtar, who was CJN between July 2012 and November 2014.

She was born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, and obtained her first degree in law from the University of Lagos 1980.

Ms Kekere-Ekun completed the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981.

She was awarded a Master of Law in November 1983 at the London School of Economics.

Ms Kekere-Ekun began her career in the judiciary as a Senior Magistrate II in the Lagos State Judiciary before being promoted to the status of State High Court Judge.

She also served as the Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, from November 1996 to May 1999.

Ms Kekere-Ekun was appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2004 in recognition of her contribution to the development of the judiciary.

(NAN