CJN Kekere-Ekun Explains Why NJC Publishes Names of Judicial Candidates

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has explained why the National Judicial Council (NJC), under her leadership, made it mandatory to publish the names of candidates seeking appointment as judges.

According to her, the policy is aimed at strengthening accountability, boosting public trust, and aligning the process with international best practices as outlined in the Constitution Hill Guidelines.

Justice Kekere-Ekun said the initiative adds an extra layer of transparency by allowing the public and other stakeholders to raise objections, provide information, or endorse nominees before appointments are confirmed. She made this known while presenting a paper titled “Innovations in Judicial Practice: Embracing Change for a Better Future” at the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges’ Association Triennial Conference in Banjul, The Gambia.

The Constitution Hill Global Guidelines on Apex Court Appointments, published in September 2024, established baseline principles for appointing judges to apex courts, emphasizing their role as final arbiters of constitutional interpretation and guardians of democracy.

In a statement issued by her media aide, Mr. Tobi Soniyi, the CJN noted that the policy had already produced results, as members of the public provided observations during the NJC’s most recent round of judicial appointments.

“In a plural society such as Nigeria, with over 200 million citizens across different ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities, the visibility of diversity on the Supreme Court bench strengthens public confidence and assures citizens that the judiciary reflects the society it serves,” Justice Kekere-Ekun stated.

She, however, acknowledged ongoing challenges in the appointment process, such as executive delays in acting on NJC recommendations, the requirement of security vetting, and debates over balancing merit with the federal character principle.

Despite these hurdles, the CJN assured that Nigeria remains committed to appointing only candidates who meet constitutional, professional, and ethical standards.

While in The Gambia, she also visited the Nigerian High Commission in Banjul, where she was received by the chargé d’affaires, Muhammed Mainasara Usma, Head of Chancery, Amali Musa, and other staff members.