The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and Delta State Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa have expressed their heartfelt sympathies to the family of late Hon. Justice Idris Kutigi, the government and people of Niger State over the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
In the different condolence messages conveyed through press statements, the two eulogised the late jurist.
In a statement signed by, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki said Kutigi was an honourable jurist, who spent his life in the service of his country and humanity.
He described the death of the former CJN as “a colossal loss,” particularly coming at a time when his experience, dedication and knowledge were needed in the service of the country.
Saraki said Kutigi would be remembered for his high sense of integrity, incisive judgments, reform-mindedness and immense contributions to national development.
“It saddens me that we have lost a vivacious, humane and tireless jurist. Even in retirement, he was called upon by former President Goodluck Jonathan to chair the Sovereign National Conference in 2014. We shall all miss him,” Saraki stated.
In his own condolence message Gov. Okowa described the late Kutigi as “a Minister in the Temple of Justice, who bestrode the bench with unquestionable integrity, dignity and contributed immensely to the growth of Nigeria’s jurisprudence,” noting that the country would miss the “wisdom and wise counsel” of the late former CJN.
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In the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, he said: “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Justice Kutigi, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, who served Nigeria diligently and meritoriously even as he left a legacy of discipline, brilliance and selflessness for the younger jurists to emulate.
The governor noted that the late Justice contributed immensely to Nigeria’s growth and the development of the judiciary as he lauded his contributions, experience and diligence as Chairman, Nigeria National Conference, which was convoked by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014.
They both commiserated with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, JSC, and the Judiciary the for this “irreparable loss,” praying God to comfort the family of the deceased and rest to the departed.
Justice Kutigi passed on early Sunday morning in London after a brief illness.
