Her Excellency, Prof. Mrs. Zainab Duke-Abiola mni, has described former Chief Justice of Nigeria, late Justice Mohammed Uwais, as a Towering icon of Judicial integrity.
Prof. Mrs Duke-Abiola, while expressing condolences on the passing of the late CJN, described the late jurist as an outstanding jurist whose leadership and integrity significantly advanced Nigeria’s judicial system and democratic progress.
The legal luminary and wife of late President Moshood Abiola, GCFR, stated this in a statement made available to the media on Saturday, saying, “Even in retirement, lawyers sought out the MAGNUS ANIMUS
and intellect of Justice Uwais GCON
for his justiciable insights into law and jurisprudential equanimity.”
“The passing to the great beyond of Justice Mohammed Uwais is a big blow to the judiciary and electoral reforms in the country, especially now that Nigeria needs his fatherly guidance in electoral process”, she added.
Abiola further stressed, “The late jurist diligently carried out the electoral reforms assignment that was professionally and excellently undertaken in 2007 and competently concluded in 2008 by the 22-man Electoral Reform Committee instituted by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua which was headed by former Chief Justice of Nigeria.
“The financial autonomy granted the Independent National Electoral Commission
INEC in the first Amendment to the 1999 Constitution and the electoral reforms embedded in the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, as well as the Electoral Act 2015 accented to on the eve of the general elections were all based on the Committee’s report.
On a personal note Justice Uwais’ advise to me that I serve in the hallowed Chambers of the Temple of Justice is invaluable.
She also advised, “As a democrat, I implore His Excellency President
Bola Tinubu to act on the Report’s recommendations, which is an asset aimed at achieving inclusivity in elections,. To all intents and purposes he was a beacon of integrity and the Original Mai Gaskiya.
His death is indeed a significant loss to Nigeria.”
“On behalf of my family, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, and the Nation for this loss”, she said.
