Bauchi State  Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, at the age of 72.

Late Tanko, an indigene of the state, was said to have died in a Saudi Arabian hospital after a prolonged illness.

The governor’s Media Aide, Mukhtar Gidado, in a statement on Tuesday, quoted his principal, describing the late jurist as a man of integrity and steadfast commitment to the rule of law.

Mohammed said Tanko was a venerable jurist whose life and career exemplified dedication to duty, integrity in service, and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, who rose through the legal profession with diligence and distinction, serving with honour as a Judge of the High Court.

Tanko also rose to the Court of Appeal and as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and later served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 to 2022, bringing to the highest office in the nation’s judiciary his wealth of experience and commitment to justice.

“During his illustrious career, Justice Tanko Muhammad was widely respected for his legal acumen, his discipline, and his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s judicial system. His elevation to the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) was a testimony to his impactful service to the nation,” the governor said.

Mohammed extended his condolences to the late jurist’s family, friends, colleagues in the legal profession, and the citizens of Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.

“Justice Tanko Muhammad exemplified the qualities of a patriotic Nigerian whose life was committed to the service of justice and the advancement of our great nation. His passing is a significant loss not only to Bauchi State but to the Nigerian judiciary and the rule of law,” he said.