President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to the late former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, describing him as a phenomenal jurist and statesman who served Nigeria with honour, courage, and exceptional integrity. Justice Uwais passed away on Friday at the age of 89.

Tinubu, in a statement, said that Justice Uwais’ illustrious career on the bench was marked by many remarkable highpoints. “He superintended the Judiciary at a challenging time in our history with tact, patience, and a sense of duty,” the President said. “This stabilising role helped usher in the current democratic dispensation, which he had the distinct honour of ushering in as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who swore in the elected president on May 29, 1999.”

The President noted that Justice Uwais’ leadership and integrity were evident in his work, both in active service and retirement. “Given his pedigree and personal integrity, he was the right person for that onerous assignment,” Tinubu said, referring to Uwais’ role in heading a panel to investigate the conduct of Nigeria’s elections.

Tinubu prayed that God Almighty would accept the soul of Justice Uwais and admit him to Jannatul Firdaus. “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,” the President said.