Visa Denial Sparks Debate Over CJN Kekere-Ekun’s New Appointment

Against the background of the visa ban on some Nigerian politically exposed persons by the US, the assertion of new Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun being denied a US visa has sparked a storm on social media

An online debate was sparked after former President Goodluck Jonathan’s aide, Reno Omokri, raised an issue regarding the newly appointed acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and her past denial of a US visa.

This matter ignited a mix of serious and lighthearted reactions, with many voicing their opinions about whether this incident should affect her credibility in her new role.

Omokri took to his X handle to argue that being denied a U.S. visa does not automatically make someone corrupt or unfit for leadership. He emphasized that visa denial is not a criterion for judging someone’s integrity, citing examples of other well-known figures who faced similar situations.

In his words, “You are making fun of the new Chief Justice of Nigeria for being denied a U.S. visa? Really? Is that such a big deal?… Some of your favorites are on that list… At least she was not detained at London Heathrow Airport or indicted by the Pandora Papers… If the only thing you have against Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is that she was denied a U.S. visa, then that is not an act of corruption.”

The responses to Omokri’s defense varied. Some agreed with his stance, believing that a visa issue does not define a person’s competence. @YakubTijani2 stated, “I don’t know when US visa has become the criteria to become the Chief Justice of Nigeria.” Others mocked the situation, with @iamaleshinloye1 quipping, “Visa denial no be today.”

However, others took the matter more seriously. @MuhdBalaMuhd1 suggested that visa denial might indicate criminal or corruption charges, while @risenman2 argued, “She was denied U.S due to corrupt acts she was found of, and you’re here defending her… what’s wrong is wrong.”

The conversation also touched on the broader issue of how people perceive the U.S. visa and its significance. @Bakre35 expressed frustration with Nigeria’s state of affairs, asking, “If our country is okay, why would we even need the Visa?” Meanwhile, @Bestbrand01 dismissed the importance of the U.S. visa, calling it “overrated.”

As the online debate continues, it’s clear that the issue of Justice Kekere-Ekun’s visa denial has stirred mixed feelings among the public. While some argue it shouldn’t affect her role, others believe it’s a matter of credibility and judgment.

See some reactions below:

@iamaleshinloye1: Visa denial no be today 😂😂😂

@waltskillslfc: Some of them are ignorant they don’t know anything

@CarlSian: If she goes to the southern border she could probably slip right in.

@iamaleshinloye1: People funny sha 😂😂😂

@thoughtsfromUSA: All of you wallowing in ignorance and poverty of ideas, this is for your information. First of all, the US consulate would never disclose the reason for visa denial. Secondly, the US does not does not get involved in the internal politics of the host nation. Thirdly, the US knows that the judiciary is an independent hand of government and so would not punish a judge for performing his or her fiduciary assignment. I therefore wondered where you got your information that Justice Kekere-Ekun was denied a US entry visa because “she was one of the Justices that sacked Emeka Ihedioha as governor of Imo state paving the way for Hope Uzodinma.”

In any case, anyone who thought that denying someone a US visa was a big deal should have their heads examined. Your attitude is clearly a case of acute inferiority complex. Visa denial is not an accusation or indication that that person committed any offense or was a political liability. Indeed, someone can be denied an entry visa for simple reasons like simple clerical or documentation error.

@Akhigbemark: Oga just keep quiet for once

@renoomokri you talking are becoming too stupid, haba maintain some sanity bro even if you don’t have any left tufiakwaaaaaaaaa
Streaming Naija

@StreamingNaija: Instead of you to use your blessed fingers and type your own comment, you are busy looking for a comment that didn’t lost. Type your comment now! Its not when I type something now, someone will say.. U spoke my mind…. Better say ur mind before I comment my own🙄

@risenman2: Pls I don’t agree with you on this,must you be supporting every here and there,be it right or wrong?she was denied U.S due to corrupt acts she was found of and you’re here defending her..what’s wrong is wrong even if thousands/millions of people are doing..majority’s doesn’t justify wrong for being http://right.rest!

@Michadel9: Some of them are even still very far from having U.S visa

@bakre35: If our country is okay, why would we even need the Visa…
you were been reasonable for the first time by not including Peter Obi your mentor in your statement…..

@Cassay77: So US visa na heaven’s passport?

@simpliismail: As much as I dislike how they descended on her, I can still find a bit part of me that like the way things are going, just because of the fact that her son had once been part of doing same to many others before, in the name of supporting PitObi.
Let them drag her mother too 🤣

@c667000b043d437: I was expecting all this from them before anyone became the next acting Chief Justice of Nigeria after the retired Ariwoola.
Let them continue the wailing
The only thing they need to do (as an advice) is to provide any criminal reason for her not to be confirmed as the next CJ

@iam_ustine: Visa ban 😂 It’s not about the stamp in her passport; it’s about the stain on her judgment! When the world notices, it’s more than just a travel issue it’s a credibility crisis 😮‍💨

@techiedrey: Only a person with no understanding would hold this kinda thing against anyone. For someone who has been denied a US visa several times now, I can boldly tell you that it’s not a good place to be.
If anyone would hold anything against anyone, let it be on a reasonable ground.

@itsZoeTv: How do you get all this information, do you have them on ground or you just have to make findings when you need to speak on them.

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