mourning, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has painted the late Justice Mohammed Uwais glowingly, describing the former Chief Justice of Nigeria as an architect of electoral reform and conscience of the Bench.
The bar said this in a statement issued in Lagos, jointly signed by its President and Secretary, Messrs Afam Osigwe (SAN) and Mobolaji Ojibara, respectively.
It said that the late jurist was the architect of electoral reform in Nigeria, whose demise had created a vast vacuum.
“The Nigerian Bar Association mourns the passing of Hon. Justice Muhammad Lawal Uwais, GCON, former CJN, who departed this life today.
“Justice Uwais was more than a jurist; he was a pillar of the Nigerian Judiciary and a beacon of integrity, scholarship, and reform.
“His tenure as Chief Justice of Nigeria, from 1995 to 2006, remains one of the most defining periods in the history of the nation’s Judiciary.
“As the second longest serving Chief Justice, he was a staunch advocate of judicial independence, ethical discipline on the Bench, and preserving democratic principles.
“A man of exceptional intellectual depth, Justice Uwais delivered landmark judgments that significantly advanced constitutional interpretation and civil liberties in Nigeria.”
The NBA noted that even in retirement, Justice Uwais served with distinction.
It said that he proposed far-reaching recommendations as chairman of the Electoral Reform Committee 2007.
“His legacy is of legal brilliance, public service, moral discipline, and visionary leadership.
“Justice Uwais leaves an indelible imprint on our national conscience, the legal profession, and the justice system in Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Bar Association extends its heartfelt condolences to the Uwais family, the Nigerian Judiciary, and the entire legal community,” the statement read.
Nigerians, both at home and abroad, widely respected Justice Uwais for his steadfast commitment to judicial reforms and the protection of judicial independence during his tenure.
