By Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Uwais
Dies at 89
Summary
- Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais passed away on Friday at the age of 89
- President Tinubu described him as a phenomenal jurist and statesman who served Nigeria with integrity
- Uwais played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s return to democracy and led a key electoral reform panel after retirement
Abuja, Nigeria — Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, died on Friday at the age of 89.
In a statement released from the State House, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid tribute to the late jurist, calling him a phenomenal figure who demonstrated honour, courage and exceptional integrity throughout his life.
Justice Uwais is remembered for leading the judiciary during a pivotal time in Nigeria’s history and for swearing in the democratically elected president in 1999.
Even after retirement, he continued to contribute to national development, notably by heading a government panel on electoral reforms, a task President Tinubu said he carried out with the same dignity and dedication that marked his entire career.
The president offered condolences to the Uwais family, the people of Kaduna State, and the Nigerian Judiciary, praying for the peaceful repose and admittance of Justice Uwais’ soul into Jannatul Firdaus.
