Nigerian Chief Justice pledges to support ECOWAS Court

By: Adoba Echono

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The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has pledged her commitment to support the ECOWAS Court of Justice in achieving its mandate as a Community Court.

Justice Kekere-Ekun made the commitment when the Honourable President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, accompanied by the Honourable Vice President Sengu Mohamed Koroma, paid a courtesy visit to her in Abuja, Nigeria.

She Justice Kekere-Ekun also expressed her readiness to foster a close and productive relationship with the ECOWAS Court.

“I look forward to working together, ensuring good cooperation and a robust working relationship,” she stated.

“The visit underscored the Court’s commitment to foster strong relationships with national courts across the ECOWAS region and strengthen judicial cooperation, particularly in the enforcement of its judgments.”

Justice Kekere-Ekun who expressed her appreciation for the visit, acknowledged the achievements of the Court and congratulated Justice Gonçalves and Justice Koroma on their recent elections.

On his part, the Honourable President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, a judge from Cape Verde who assumed office as President on October 14th, 2024 expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice of Nigeria for her warm reception.

He emphasised his administration’s commitment to open dialogue and strong partnerships with courts across the region.

“During our two-year term, we aim to engage in a continuous dialogue with various national courts and with (Your Excellency’s) National Judicial Council, particularly on matters concerning the implementation of our Court’s decisions,” Justice Gonçalves said.

He also congratulated Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun on her appointment as the Chief Justice of Nigeria and stressed ECOWAS Court’s readiness to collaborate with the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The Vice President of the ECOWAS Court Sengu M. Koroma from Sierra Leone also pledged the Community Court’s readiness to collaborate with national courts.

He expressed his admiration for Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership. “It is the highest honor for any lawyer, and something we all aspire to. We hope for a fruitful working relationship with your Judicial Council,” he added.

Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun acknowledged the significant challenges surrounding the enforcement of judgments and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to support the ECOWAS Court’s mandate.

 

Hauwa M.

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