Justice Uwais: Nigeria Lost Statesman Of Unimpeachable Character, Say Northern Senators

The Northern Senators’ Forum has mourned the passing of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwais, describing him as a towering figure in the nation’s judicial history and a statesman of unimpeachable character.

Justice Uwais died on Friday, June 6, 2025 at the age of 89.

The Northern lawmakers, in a condolence statement on Saturday in Abuja, through its chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, described the late jurist as a symbol of integrity, honour, and selfless service who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s judicial and democratic institutions.

“Our nation has lost a phenomenal jurist and statesman of unimpeachable character. Justice Uwais’ illustrious career in the Nigerian judiciary was marked by his unwavering commitment to honour and outstanding integrity,” the statement read.

Justice Uwais served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006, during which time he played a stabilising role in the judiciary at a pivotal point in the country’s history.

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His leadership was credited with helping to reposition the judiciary as an institution of national respect.

Notably, on May 29, 1999, he administered the oath of office to President Olusegun Obasanjo, becoming the first CJN to swear in a democratically elected President of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, symbolising the country’s return to civil rule.

Even after his retirement, Justice Uwais continued to contribute to nation-building.

He chaired the Presidential Electoral Reform Panel, whose groundbreaking report became the basis for the enactment of the Electoral Act 2010—considered a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to improve electoral transparency and public trust.

“His panel’s work offered a critical diagnosis of our electoral system and paved the way for reforms that gave Nigerians renewed confidence in the democratic process,” Senator Yar’adua noted.

The Forum extended its condolences to the Uwais family, the government and people of Kaduna State, and the entire Nigerian judiciary.

“May Almighty Allah accept the soul of Justice Uwais and grant him eternal rest. We pray that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of jurists and leaders alike,” the statement said.