- Safiu Kehinde
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, has died at the age of 89.
As confirmed in a statement issued by Ondo state Attorney General, Kayode Ajulo, the ex-CJN, passed away in the early hours of Friday, though the cause of his death was undisclosed.
The late Kaduna-born Uwais was the second-longest serving CJN in Nigeria (1995-2006).
Following his retirement from the Supreme Court, Uwais chaired a panel on electoral reform as inaugurated by then President Umaru Yar’Adua.
The panel submitted its report in December 2008.
Ajulo, in his tribute, described the ex-CJN as a beacon of integrity who guided the judiciary with grace and wisdom.
Uwais, according to the Ondo Minister of Justice, was instrumental in Nigeria’s journey of democratic development and nation-building.
Ajulo also commended his leadership of the Electoral Reform Committee.
“Uwais was a true beacon of integrity, guiding the judiciary with grace and wisdom. His tenure as Chief Justice from 1995 to 2006 fundamentally transformed the landscape of our legal system, laying a foundation that continues to resonate today,
“Justice Uwais was instrumental in our journey of democratic development and nation-building, serving not only as a jurist but as a visionary reformist of our electoral process,
“His leadership as Chairman of the Electoral Reform Committee, alongside esteemed members such as Bishop Mathew Kukah and Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, OON, SAN, exemplified his remarkable wisdom.
“The recommendations he presented not only established new standards but also instilled in our system a profound understanding of law and the responsibilities it entails.” The tribute read.