- Safiu Kehinde
Lagos-based lawyer, Wahab Shittu (SAN), has mourned the passing of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mohammed Uwais, describing him as one of the finest jurists in Nigeria’s history.
NPO Reported that the ex-CJN died on Friday at the age of 89.
Wahab in a tribute issued on Saturday hailed his impact on the Nigeria’s judiciary system as he highlighted his contributions to three significant events in the country’s history.
He recounted his contribution in the elevation of late Human Rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) and role in improving Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence through the Electoral Reform Committee led by him.
The tribute read in part; “Former chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais chose an auspicious time to exit this world. He died on the day we were all celebrating Eid Mubarak, a day which also fell on a Friday remarkable for Juma’h prayers for Muslims worldwide.
“This double coincidence may be because he was a good man- one of the finest of our jurists.
“In my view, however, what is significant about his passing is not just the timing of his exit,but what he stood for while alive.
“The question is,how will the departed be remembered?
“Three events in our nation’s history offer insights about the quality of his contributions in our collective consciousness.
“First , he was a huge lesson in judicial integrity.This attribute offers a model of distinction and example for our judex.On this index, he shone like a thousand stars and offers a lasting example of how to be a judex.
“The second example was his role in the elevation of late Chief Gani fawehimmi SAN, as a senior Advocate of Nigeria. It will be recalled that late Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN applied many times for the exalted rank unsuccessfully, and at a time resolved never to apply again.It was the departed CJN Uwais who persuaded Gani not to give up and even encouraged him to pick the form again in the year the erudite lawyer adorned the silk.
“This showed CJN uwais as an encourager of excellence. History will always remember this gesture to the Great Gani considering the contributions of the duo to our jurisprudence.
“The third notable contribution of late CJN Uwais was his additions to our electoral jurisprudence. The Uwais committee on electoral reforms made profound recommendations that undoubtedly redefined and improved significantly our electoral jurisprudence and the conduct of elections in our country.
“History will never forget his unique role in this regard.
“These three major contributions are very significant.
“In addition, the jurist delivered many landmark decisions through the cases. The law reports are replete with his profound and incisive judgments .
“These cases litter the pages of our law reports and shall remain forever reference points for erudition and sound jurisprudential justifications.
“He also remains our longest serving Chief justice of Nigeria till date.
“And so with his exit yesterday, the Nation has not only lost one of his finest jurists ,but also a real human-being.
“Farewell, Honorable Justice Mohammed Uwais,former chief Justice of Nigeria, and quality judex of high and historical stature. We mourn.”