Justice Kekere-Ekun’s visa denial was highlighted in a letter signed by Jay M. Sorensen, an American Consular Officer in Abuja.
Abuja, Nigeria – Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Nigeria’s newly appointed 23rd Chief Justice, was reportedly denied a United States visa following her role in a controversial Supreme Court ruling on the 2019 Imo governorship election.
This revelation comes as Kekere-Ekun assumes office in an acting capacity, pending Senate confirmation.
The visa denial, according to a document obtained by Daily Independent in 2023, stemmed from what U.S. authorities described as “sanctioned activities.” Kekere-Ekun was part of a seven-member Supreme Court panel, led by then-Chief Justice Ibrahim Muhammad Tanko, that annulled the victory of Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The court declared Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the rightful winner of the election, a decision that sparked widespread controversy.
The ruling, delivered on January 14, 2020, instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revoke Ihedioha’s certificate of return and issue it to Uzodinma, who was sworn in as the governor of Imo State the following day.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s visa denial was highlighted in a letter signed by Jay M. Sorensen, an American Consular Officer in Abuja.
Justice Kekere-Ekun was officially sworn in by President Bola Tinubu as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria during a ceremony at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja on Friday, August 23, 2024.
The ceremony, which took place at around 11:40 am, marks the beginning of her tenure, albeit in an acting capacity until her appointment is confirmed by the Senate.
Her recommendation for the role of Chief Justice was made by the National Judicial Council during its 106th Meeting, presided over by Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
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