Renowned legal icon, erudite jurist and former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, has passed on at the age of 78. The jurist, who died in a London hospital, after a brief illness, had 18 children and 40 grandchildren. Without doubt, his death is a great loss to Nigeria, the judiciary and the legal profession. In his honour, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, declared seven days of mourning. Kutigi’s death came on the heels of the passage of ex-CJNs Aloysius Katsina-Alu and Dahiru Musdapher.

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The late CJN was born on December 31, 1939 in Kutigi in the Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State. After attending elementary school in his home town, he proceeded to Bida for his middle and secondary schooling.

He also attended the famous Government College (Barewa College) and later Ahmadu Bello University, all in Zaria. Kutigi also went to School of Oriental and African studies, University of London and the Gibson and Weldon College of Law, England. After attending the Nigerian Law School, he worked as a lawyer and later became a judge.

He was the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Niger State until 1976, when he became a high court judge. He was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court in 1992. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him the Chief Justice of Nigeria based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) in 2007. He served in that capacity until 2009.

While in retirement, Justice Kutigi was appointed the Chairman of the National Conference in 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan. His death has also elicited eulogies from many Nigerians. In his tribute, President Muhammadu Buhari observed that “the former CJN’s bold and articulate judicial decisions, advocacies on access to justice for all, and protection of judicial independence, were extant signposts for the advancement of the noble profession in the country and beyond.”

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Similarly, former military leader, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, noted that “the late Justice was consistently upright and it was no surprise that he rose to become a respected judicial officer and ultimately, to the highest judicial office in Nigeria.” Also, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, remarked that “Kutigi’s death has robbed the country and the judiciary of one of the best legal minds whose contribution to democracy cannot be forgotten.”

To Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello, the late justice was “a uniquely endowed Nigerian, a man of integrity who had, indeed, paid his dues in the service of his country in particular and humanity in general.” Also the PDP through its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, said that “as the CJN, Kutigi ensured the independence of the judiciary as an arm of government and contributed in no little way in providing direction to our nation at very critical moments in our national development.”

The late CJN was a gentleman and an upright judge. He was decent and handled every legal matter dispassionately. He was also a fearless judge who delivered many landmark judgements of the Supreme Court. He was also a role model worthy of emulation. He enjoined young ones to imbibe the virtues of hard work, patience and perseverance. He had received the national honours of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

He should be immortalised for his contributions to the growth of the judiciary. Let all judicial officers emulate his good qualities. We commiserate with his family, the judiciary and the legal profession for the irreparable loss. May Allah grant his soul eternal repose.

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