Victor Ezeja
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, have paid tribute to the late former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, who died on Friday at the age of 89.
In a condolence message, Tinubu described Justice Uwais as “a phenomenal jurist and statesman who served Nigeria with honour, courage and exceptional integrity.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe President joined the family members, friends, proteges, and well-meaning Nigerians in mourning the respected patriot and statesman, who passed away when Muslim faithful marked the Eid-Al-Adha.
The president said Uwais, who headed the Judiciary at a very challenging time in Nigeria’s political history, handled issues with tact, patience, and a sense of duty, and oversaw the transition from military rule to democratic government in 1999.
“He superintended the Judiciary at a challenging time in our history with tact, patience, and a sense of duty,” the president stated.
Tinubu remarked that Uwais’s stabilising role helped usher in the current democratic dispensation, which he had the distinct honour of ushering in as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who swore in the elected president on May 29, 1999.
Uwais served as CJN between 1995 and 2006 when he retired.
The president noted that because of Uwais’ pedigree and personal integrity, the Federal Government called him when he had retired to head a committee on electoral reform. He said the panel produced a critical report that contained detailed recommendations on overhauling the electoral system to make it more transparent and credible.
“In active service and retirement, the late Justice Uwais maintained a dignified persona, earning him respect beyond his immediate constituency.”
The president prayed for God Almighty to accept the soul of Justice Uwais and admit him to Jannatul Firdaus.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the Uwais family, the government and the people of Kaduna State, as well as the members of the Nigerian Judiciary, over the death of the colossus.
READ ALSO: Obi Mourns Passing Of Ex-CJN Uwais, Former Minister Aminu
Former President Buhari said he was pained by the passing of Justice Uwais, who he said “had a distinguished career as a lawyer and a judge.”
In a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, Buhari stated that as CJN, Uwais made notable contributions to the Nigerian judiciary, “bringing justice closer to the people.”
The immediate past president further stated that the late jurist played a significant role in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system.
“He was admired for his compassion and justice. He made important contributions towards making Nigeria’s democratic fabric stronger.
“He will always be remembered by countless people for his emphasis on a meticulous approach to law as a judge and a member of the Council of State,” Buhari stated.
He also extended heartfelt condolences to the late jurist’s family members, relatives, and friends.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
