President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late former chief justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, describing him as a “phenomenal jurist and statesman” who played a pivotal role in stabilising Nigeria’s democracy.
Justice Uwais died yesterday at the age of 89. His passing, which coincided with the Eid-al-Adha celebrations, marked the end of a distinguished era in Nigeria’s judicial history.
In a statement personally signed President Tinubu hailed the late jurist for his courage, honour, and unwavering integrity throughout his career.
He noted that Justice Uwais served Nigeria with uncommon dedication, both on the Bench and in retirement.
“Many remarkable highpoints hallmarked Justice Uwais’ illustrious career,” the President said. “He superintended the Judiciary at a challenging time in our history with tact, patience, and a sense of duty. This stabilising role helped usher in the current democratic dispensation.”
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the late jurist and extended heartfelt condolences to the Uwais family, the government and people of Kaduna State, and the entire Nigerian Judiciary.
Justice Uwais served as chief justice of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006 and was widely respected for his legal acumen, moral uprightness and commitment to the rule of law. His legacy in shaping Nigeria’s legal and democratic institutions remains indelible.
The chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, also expressed deep sorrow over the death of Uwais.
In a condolence message issued on behalf of his colleagues in the NSGF, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the late jurist as a man of integrity, profound legal intellect and an outstanding commitment to judicial reform and the rule of law.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) described late Justice Muhammad Uwais as a jurist of repute whose wealth of experience would be greatly missed.
Reacting to his death, the national publicity secretary of the forum, Professor Tukur Muhammad -Baba said, “It was with profound sadness that the ACF learned of the death of Justice Muhammad Uwais, coming, just a day after the demise of another elder statement and towering figure in Arewa.”.
He said Justice Uwais was not just an eminent jurist but was one of the finest in his profession and a proud product of Arewa, adding that beyond that, he was a committed nationalist who contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria.
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