NBA, Lawyers React Over Death Of Former CJN Uwais

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Friday, described the late Mohammed Uwais, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, as an architect of electoral reform and conscience of the bench.

The bar said this in a statement issued in Lagos, jointly signed by its President and Secretary, Messrs Afam Osigwe (SAN) and Mobolaji Ojibara respectively.

It said that the late jurist was the architect of electoral reform in Nigeria, whose demise had created a huge vacuum.

“The Nigerian Bar Association mourns the passing of Hon. Justice Muhammad Lawal Uwais, GCON, former CJN, who departed this life today.

“Justice Uwais was more than a jurist; he was a pillar of the Nigerian Judiciary and a beacon of integrity, scholarship, and reform.

“His tenure as Chief Justice of Nigeria, from 1995 to 2006, remains one of the most defining periods in the history of the nation’s judiciary.

“As the second longest serving Chief Justice, he was a staunch advocate of judicial independence, ethical discipline on the Bench, and the preservation of democratic principles.

“A man of exceptional intellectual depth, Justice Uwais delivered landmark judgments that significantly advanced constitutional interpretation and civil liberties in Nigeria.”

The NBA noted that even in retirement, Justice Uwais continued to serve with distinction.

It said that as chairman of the Electoral Reform Committee of 2007, he proposed far-reaching recommendations.

“His legacy is one of legal brilliance, public service, moral discipline, and visionary leadership.

“Justice Uwais leaves behind an indelible imprint on our national conscience, the legal profession, and the system of justice in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian Bar Association extends its heartfelt condolences to the Uwais family, the Nigerian Judiciary, and the entire legal community,” the statement read.

Uwais was born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State. He was widely respected for his steadfast commitment to judicial reforms and the protection of judicial independence during his tenure.

Lawyers mourn former CJN, Uwais

Meanwhile, some lawyers  in Lagos, on Friday, described the late former Chief Justice of the Federation, Mohammed Uwais (Rtd), as a man of courage and great wisdom.

The lawyers told NAN that the demise of the jurist, had created a huge vacuum in the nation’s legal system, adding that he would be sorely missed.

Uwais served as CJN from 1995 to 2006.

Reacting to his demise, Mrs Elizabeth Chiozor, a Lagos based lawyer, said that Uwais would,  no doubt be remembered for his impact in the bench.

“The news of the death of my noble law lord, struck as big blow to every legal practitioner, most of whom,  were already engulfed in the euphoria of the sallah celebration.

“Hon. Justice Lawal Uwais, as he then was, was know for his fearlessness, courage and ability to stand for justice at all times.

“His impact was not only felt on the bench, but generally, in driving the wheels of justice effectively and truthfully.

“Indeed, death is a debt every individual owes mother earth, but what is most important are the legacies we leave behind for those after us.

“I, dare say, that the late jurist has left an indelible legacy that will linger in the archives of our legal system for a very long time.

”I pray that God consoles the family and give them sufficient grace to forge on,” she said.

On his part, Mr Kehinde Nubi, a principal counsel at  Kehinde Nubi and Associates, said Uwais would be remembered for his 2008 electoral reform advocacy.

According to him, 2008 electoral committee had advocated transparency and fairness in elections, which was encapsulated in the popular Uwais report at the time.

“This report is another proof that Nigeria is not in want of the required know-how, but simply lacks the political will to do what is right.

“His tenure symbolised principled reform and his passing, without doubt, marks the loss of a shiny star in the judicial firmament,” he said.

Similarly, another legal practitioner, Mr Chibuikem Opara, said that the former CJN brought invaluable experience to the judiciary, during his tenure.

He noted that Uwais was a key figure in the Supreme Court’s golden era, adding that as CJN, he  made lasting impact in the justice sector.

He further described Uwais’s reasoning and judgments as exceptional, noting that his insights remained laudable even after retirement.

Opara noted that as one of Nigeria’s longest-serving Chief Justices, Uwais’s rise to prominence in the judiciary was nothing short of phenomenal.

“The legal profession has indeed lost a gem,” he said

Also speaking, Mrs Jumoke Ajayi said the death of the CJN was a big loss to Nigeria justice system.

Ajayi noted that the late jurist never made any young counsel feel small, even though he occupied the highest bench.

According to her, Uwais extended support to the legal system, not just through his judgments, but also by mentorship and inspiration to lawyers.

“He was the conscience of the bench, as his judgments were luminous with wisdom. He respected young lawyers and he never talked down on us.

“The news of his passing is a huge shock to us all and he will surely be missed,” she said.

Justice  Uwais was born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State. He died at the age of 89.

He was widely respected for his steadfast commitment to judicial reforms and the protection of judicial independence during his tenure.