President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the passing of Justice Muhammed Lawal Uwais, describing him as a phenomenal jurist and statesman who served Nigeria with honour, courage and exceptional integrity.
The President in a personally signed condolence message commiserate with the Uwais family, the government and the people of Kaduna State, and members of the Nigerian Judiciary, on the death of the colossus.
Extolling the service of the phenomenal jurist, the Nigerian Leader recalled that both in active service and retirement, the late Justice Uwais maintained a dignified persona, earning him respect beyond his immediate constituency.
President Tinubu further recounted that after retiring, the Federal Government appointed Justice Uwais to lead a panel investigating the conduct of Nigerian elections following his background and personal integrity, “he was the right person for that onerous assignment.”
The President highlighted Justice Uwais’s distinguished judicial career and its role in fostering Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“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.”
“Not surprisingly, Justice Uwais led the panel to produce a critical report that contained a detailed prognosis of our electoral system.
“I join family members, friends, proteges and well-meaning Nigerians in mourning this respected patriot and statesman, who passed away today as we mark Eid-Al-Adha.”
President Tinubu prays God Almighty accept the soul of Justice Uwais and admit him to Jannatul Firdaus.
Justice Muhammed Lawal Uwais, died on Friday at the age of 89.
Life and Times
Justice Muhammed Lawal Uwais was born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. He was the son of the Chief Alkali and later Waziri of the Zaria Emirate, indicating a distinguished family background.
Lateefah Ibrahim