Tinubu, Atiku, Mourn Uwais
By PHC Telegraph
President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the people of Kaduna State, serving members of the country’s judiciary as well as the family of Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, over the demise of the late Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Uwais, a celebrated jurist and statesman whose contribution to the development of law was phenomenal died on Friday at the age of 89.
Reacting to his death, President Tinubu said, “Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, who died on Friday at 89, was a phenomenal jurist and statesman who served Nigeria with honour, courage and exceptional integrity.
“I join family members, friends, proteges and well-meaning Nigerians in mourning this respected patriot and statesman, who passed away today…
“Many remarkable highpoints hallmarked Justice Uwais’ illustrious career on the bench. 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, 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.”
Tinubu recalled how the Federal Government asked the former Chief Justice who was on retirement to head a panel to investigate the conduct of our elections.
The President noted, “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.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed sadness while reacting to the passage of the legal luminary on his X handle.
Atiku described him as a fair and upright judge who served the nation with a sense of honesty and integrity.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwais, who was not only a towering figure in our judiciary but also my in-law.
“His legacy of integrity, fairness, and commitment to democratic reforms, especially through the Electoral Reform Committee, which he chaired, will continue to endure.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Uwais and Barr. Ahmed Tijjani Uwais’ families during this difficult time. May Allah SWT forgive his sins, accept his good deeds, and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”
Uwais who died on Friday morning has been buried in accordance with Muslim tradition.