Prof. Zainab Duke-Abiola, wife of late Moshood Abiola, has described late Justice Mohammed Uwais, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, as a towering icon of judicial integrity and an outstanding jurist.
She said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba on Sunday.
Duke-Abiola, said that late Uwais’ leadership and integrity significantly advanced Nigeria’s judicial system and democratic progress.
”Even in retirement, lawyers sought out the Magnu Animus and intellect of Justice Uwais GCON for his justiciable insights into law and jurisprudential equanimity.
“The passing to the great beyond of Justice Mohammed Uwais is a big blow to the judiciary and electoral reforms in the country, especially now that Nigeria needs his fatherly guidance in electoral process,”she said.
Duke-Abiola recalled that late Uwais headed the 22-man Electoral Reform Committee instituted by late President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2007, which led to significant reforms in Nigeria.
”The committee’s report contributed to the financial autonomy granted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through the first amendment to the 1999 Constitution.
”The Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2015 were based on the committee’s recommendations,”she said.
Duke-Abiola also praised Uwais’ integrity and wisdom, recalling his advice to her to serve in the judiciary.
“On a personal note, Justice Uwais advised me to serve in the hallowed Chambers of the Temple of Justice, which is invaluable.”
She described him as a beacon of integrity and a significant loss to Nigeria.
Duke-Abiola urged President Bola Tinubu to act on the committee’s recommendations to achieve inclusivity in elections.
“As a democrat, I implore His Excellency President Bola Tinubu to act on the report’s recommendations, which is an asset aimed at achieving inclusivity in elections.
”To all intents and purposes, he was a beacon of integrity and the Original Mai Gaskiya, whose death is indeed a significant loss to Nigeria.
“On behalf of my family, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, and the Nation for this loss,”she said