From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passing of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, describing him as a “phenomenal jurist and statesman” who dedicated his life to serving the nation with “honour, courage and exceptional integrity.”
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, the day Uwais died at the age of 89, President Tinubu said, “In Justice Uwais, Nigeria lost a phenomenal jurist and statesman who served Nigeria with honour and integrity. His career on the bench was marked by courage, patience, and a deep sense of duty during some of the most challenging times in our history.”
He added, “Justice Uwais superintended the Judiciary at a critical juncture, helping to stabilize the nation’s democratic dispensation. He had the distinct honour of swearing in the elected president on May 29, 1999, ushering in a new era for Nigeria.”
The President also recalled Justice Uwais’ contributions after retirement, noting that the Federal Government called on him to head a panel investigating Nigeria’s electoral system. “Given his pedigree and personal integrity, he was the right person for that onerous assignment. The panel he led produced a critical report that offered a detailed prognosis of our electoral system,” Tinubu said.
President Tinubu praised the late jurist’s dignified persona, saying, “In active service and retirement, Justice Uwais maintained a dignified presence that earned him respect beyond his immediate constituency. His legacy as a patriot and statesman will continue to inspire Nigerians.”
He concluded with a prayer, “May God Almighty accept the soul of Justice Uwais and admit him to Jannatul Firdaus,” extending his heartfelt condolences to the Uwais family, the government and people of Kaduna State, and members of the Nigerian Judiciary.
Uwais, who became a Supreme Court Justice at 43 and was the second longest-serving Chief Justice of Nigeria, leaves behind a legacy of judicial excellence and national service that continues to resonate across the country.