President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, describing him as a phenomenal jurist and statesman, who served the country with honour, courage, and unassailable integrity.

Justice Uwais, who passed away on Friday at the age of 89, was widely respected for his contributions to the judiciary and the Nigerian nation.

In a condolence message issued on Friday, President Tinubu joined family members, friends, protégés, and Nigerians across the country in mourning the loss of the eminent jurist.

“Many remarkable highpoints hallmarked Justice Uwais’ illustrious career on the bench. He superintended the Judiciary at a challenging time in our history with tact, patience, and a strong sense of duty,” the President said.

Justice Uwais, who served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006, played a key role in Nigeria’s democratic transition. He had the historic honour of swearing in the president-elect on May 29, 1999, marking the end of military rule and the dawn of the Fourth Republic.

Following his retirement, Justice Uwais was called upon once again to serve the nation when he was appointed to lead a presidential panel on electoral reform.

“Given his pedigree and personal integrity, he was the right person for that onerous assignment,” Tinubu noted.

The panel, under his leadership, produced a landmark report that offered a comprehensive and critical review of Nigeria’s electoral system and laid the foundation for key reforms.

“In both active service and in retirement, Justice Uwais maintained a dignified persona, earning him respect far beyond the legal community,” President Tinubu added.

Praying for the repose of his soul, the President said: “May God Almighty accept the soul of Justice Uwais and admit him to Jannatul Firdaus.”

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Uwais family, the government and people of Kaduna State, and the Nigerian Judiciary.