Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed profound sadness over the deaths of two distinguished Nigerian patriots, Justice Muhammed Uwais and Professor Jubril Aminu.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo described the late duo as patriots who distinguished themselves in their respective fields and served Nigeria with dedication and commitment.
Justice Uwais, who died on Friday at the age of 88, served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria from May 29, 1999, until his retirement on June 12, 2006. Professor Aminu passed away on Thursday at the age of 85.
Tributes to Justice Uwais
In his condolence letter to the Uwais family, Obasanjo noted that the death of the eminent jurist "marks the end of a glorious life spent largely in the judicial service of his fatherland, characterised by great learning, industry, and dedicated service."
"Nigeria will certainly miss his exemplary leadership and commitment to the rule of law. It is our hope that the legacy he left behind will continue to be the guiding principles of the Judiciary so that together we can move Nigeria forward," Obasanjo stated.
The former president highlighted that under Uwais' leadership, the Judiciary was able to restore public confidence in the judicial process through the enthronement of the rule of law.
"In fact, the Constitution we had to work with was written and finalized by the judiciary with Justice Uwais having a critical role to play. And for the period we worked together, he epitomised the qualities of an eminent Jurist and Elder Statesman."
Obasanjo further praised Uwais' contributions to the development and dispensation of justice in Nigeria, noting his service as Chairman of the Coalition of African Jurists and Electoral Reform Committee under President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.
Remembering Professor Aminu
In a separate condolence letter to Professor Aminu's family, Obasanjo described him as one of the nation's most outstanding elder statesmen who contributed his unique knowledge and experience to national progress and development.
"Professor Aminu had no doubt come a long way in his multi-faceted career as a scholar, medical cardiologist, policy analyst, administrator and as a diplomat," Obasanjo remarked.
The former president recalled that Aminu held several positions in academia where he distinguished himself as a renowned scholar. He later served as Federal Minister of Education and subsequently of Petroleum and Mineral Resources under General Ibrahim Babangida's regime.
During Obasanjo's presidency (1999-2007), Aminu served as the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America from 1999 to 2003. He later served as a Senator representing Adamawa Central from 2003 to 2011.
"On each occasion, he left lasting footprints on the sands of time and built for himself an impressive profile of immense goodwill and affection among his people," Obasanjo noted.
The former president extended his condolences to the families of both distinguished Nigerians and prayed that God would comfort them in their time of grief.
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