Nigeria needs credible leaders like late Justice Akanbi, says APU VC

A former President of the Court of Appeal and pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), the late Hon. Justice Mustapha Adebayo Akanbi has been described as a highly revered jurist, an exemplary statesman and an embodiment of piety whose great contributions to the progress and development of Nigeria cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

The Vice-Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University (APU), Patigi, Kwara State, Professor Mahfouz Adedimeji, said this at the 4th year remembrance prayer in honour of the late Akanbi held recently at Munfa’atu Aduke Akanbi Memorial Mosque, G.R.A Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The Vice-Chancellor said for Nigeria to move forward and attain greatness among the comity of nations, the country needs leaders who are endowed with the qualities of the late Justice Akanbi.

Professor Adedimeji, who spoke on the topic, ‘Late Hon. Justice Mustapha Adebayo Akanbi: Lessons from the Life of a Legend,’ said Justice Akanbi lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation by the leaders and the led.

The pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University explained that the late sage was a unique legal practitioner and an eminent jurist who was known for integrity, piety, sincerity, fairness and God-consciousness in all his actions and interactions while he was alive.

He stated further that the late Akanbi was a detribalised Nigerian who believed strongly in the principle of Justice and equity in whatever he laid his hands upon.

Professor Adedimeji called on Nigerian leaders to take a cue from Justice Akanbi’s virtues if they are serious about moving this country out of the shackles of poverty, insecurity, and other related social and economic problems it is facing currently.

The Chairman of Mustapha Akanbi Foundation, Dr Mudasiru Salami, described the late Justice as an exceptional leader whose leadership style is worthy of emulation.

Dr Salami, who is also the President of Amicus International, the position Justice Akanbi held until his death in 2018, explained that late the Akanbi taught them good lessons, which he said are very supportive and helpful to them in their respective lives.

Also speaking at the event, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University and one-time Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Professor Musbau Akanji, extolled the virtues of Akanbi and called on leaders to imbibe his leadership style.

The Director-General of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Issa Aremu, described Justice Akanbi as a kindhearted man who cared about the welfare of Nigerians and Africans in general.

According to him, Justice Akanbi believed in fixing Nigeria, saying he taught some of them that were very close to him to be optimistic about Nigeria as they work towards fixing the country rather than complaining.

He disclosed that Justice Akanbi believed in hard work, unity of the country and the power of prayers.

Speaking on behalf of the Akanbi family, Justice Suleiman Akanbi said the Akanbi family was very proud of producing a prominent and widely respected figure like Justice Akanbi.

The Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University, Professor Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi (SAN), Commended the large turnout of friends and associates, it reflects noting the love people had for Justice Akanbi during his lifetime which according to him has continued to radiate even after his demise.