‘Phenomenal jurist’ — Tinubu pays tribute to ex-CJN Mohammed Uwais

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of Mohammed Uwais, the former chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Uwais, who was born in Zaria, Kaduna state, and served as CJN from 1995 to 2006, died in the early hours of Friday at the age of 88.

In a statement he personally signed, Tinubu said the former chief justice was a “phenomenal jurist and statesman” who served Nigeria with honour, courage, and exceptional integrity.

He said there were many remarkable high points of Uwais’ career on the bench, including how he superintended the judiciary with tact, patience, and a sense of duty during a challenging time.

The president said the role helped usher in the current democratic dispensation, which he ushered in as the CJN, 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,” the statement reads.

“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,” the statement reads.

“I 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.”