Victor Ezeja
Mohammed Uwais, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has passed away at the age of 88.
This was announced by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, who said the former CJN died on Friday. morning.
Uwais served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006 when he retired from service.
After his retirement, Uwais served as chairman of the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee, which the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua had set up.
Uwais’ appointment to head the committee was based on his reputation for impartiality, built over time, and legal acumen.
The popular Uwais committee which included prominent figures such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and human rights lawyer, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, submitted its report on 11 December 2008.
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The Committee made far-reaching recommendations for a total overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral system as part of measures to strengthen democratic governance in the country.
One of the key recommendations of the committee was the call for the appointment of the head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be done by the judiciary instead of the President. This was aimed at strengthening the independence and credibility of the electoral body. The recommendation has continued to generate debates. Other recommendations of the committee include the creation of independent commissions to handle electoral offences, constituency boundary reviews, and the registration and regulation of political parties.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
