The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) is greatly saddened by the news of the demise of Justice Muhammadu Uwais, retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, a towering national figure, frontline jurist, elder statesman, nationalist, professional mentor to many and proud product of Arewa’s finest breed of pioneers of modern educa-tion and professionals that emerged with excellent records of fine service to the country. ACF notes with nostalgia and pride that late Justice Uwais was from the crop of Arewa’s young educated young individuals who were carefully picked and en-couraged to pursue legal studies and qualify as lawyers in the United Kingdom, by the visionary Premier of the Northern Region of Nigeria, the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto. That crop of pioneers, each of whom brought along in-tellectual pedigrees, were each to pursue distinguished professional careers in the service of the judiciary. Indeed most, if not all, rose to the pinnacle of the profes-sion as justices of the Appeal and Supreme Courts, with many serving as Presi-dents of the Appeal Court, Justices and Chief Justices of the Supreme Court. Theirs remains a fine testimony to the visionary leadership of the late Sardaunan Sokoto. Justice Uwais had indeed served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for nine (9) years (1996 – 2006). One of justice Uwais’s most prominent post-retirement outings was chairing the Committee on Electoral Reforms, put in place by late president Umaru Musa Yar’adua. Arguably, were the sound recommendations of the Committee faithfully implemented and not stymied; much of the shenanigans associated with the electoral processes in Nigeria could have been averted and our electoral process put on sound footing. Late Justice Uwais was certainly one of the finest in his professional group who brought a lot of finesse, poise and intellect in his practice at the Bench. He was also a committed nationalist, elder and a voice of reason and moderation in the of-ten noisy and grandstanding stances in national discourses. His acclaimed records of service and contributions to national and international development will re-main a reference source material for many generations to come.
In mourning Justice Uwais’s demise therefore, ACF celebrates the life and times of the gentle, amiable and trailblazing jurist, nationalist, democrat, family man and leader of repute. ACF sends condolences to late Justice Uwais’ family, friends, professional col-leagues, the Government and people of Kaduna State and Nigeria. May all be comforted that his life and times were well-lived, with his legacies well etched in history. ACF prays that Almighty Allah will reward his good works, forgive his shortcoming and grant his soul eternal peaceful repose in Al-Jannah Firdaus.
Prof. T. A. Muhammad Baba
National Publicity Secretary