President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari have expressed sadness over the death of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mohammed Uwais.
Justice Uwais died in the early hours of Friday, at the age of 88, according to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr Kayode Ajulo.
In their separate messages, the Nigerian leaders expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.
According to President Tinubu, Justice Uwais was a phenomenal jurist and statesman who served Nigeria with honour, courage and exceptional integrity.
He said, many remarkable highpoints hallmarked Justice Uwais’ illustrious career on the bench.
“He superintended the Judiciary ata challenging time in our history with tact, patience, and a sense of duty. This 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.
“In retirement, the Federal Government called upon Justice Uwais to head a panel to investigate the conduct of our elections. Given his pedigree and personal integrity, he was the right person for that onerous assignment.
“Not surprisingly, Justice Uwais led the panel to produce a critical report that contained a detailed prognosis of our electoral system.
“In active service and retirement, the late Justice Uwais maintained a dignified persona, earning him respect beyond his immediate constituency.
‘May God Almighty accept the soul of Justice Uwais and admit him to Jannatul Firdaus.
“l extend my 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 this colossus,” President Tinubu wrote.
On his part, Former President Buhari said he was pained by the passing of the late CJN, “who had a distinguished career as a lawyer and a judge.
“As the head of the nation’s judiciary, he made notable contributions in bringing justice closer to the people.
“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.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members, relatives, and friends who are grieving his loss as we all are,” the former President said.
