President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday sent his condolences to the government and people of Jigawa State following the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Dahiru Musdapher.
Justice Musdapher died in London on Monday. He was 75.
Buhari also commiserated with the Kano and Ringim Emirate Council, professional colleagues, family members and friends of the eminent jurist whose contributions to the structure, letter and spirit of the nation’s constitution and legal practice “will always be remembered and greatly appreciated by generations.”
A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina, praised the mediatory and conciliatory leadership roles the former CJN played, serving as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kaduna State, Chief Judge, Kano State Judiciary, Justice, Court of Appeal and Justice, Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Walter Onnoghen said Justice Musdapher died in a London Hospital on Monday and directed that the national flag at the Supreme Court and his (CJN’s) official residence in the Three Arms Zone of Abuja be flown at half-mast immediately
Justice Musdapher was the CJN from August 29, 2011 – July 16, 2012.
The CJN’s Media aide, Awassam Bassey, in a statement, said Justice Onnoghen directed that flags in all judicial institutions, including the National Judicial Council (NJC), the National Judicial Institute (NJI), the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) and all courts of records, be flown at half-mast.
”The National Judicial Service Council (NJSC) was directed to send memos to all heads of courts to ensure compliance by all jurisdictions across the country.
“The Hon. Chief Justice prays for the peaceful repose of Justice Musdapher and urges God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) also mourned Justice Musdapher.
It said: “While the death of the late Justice Musdapher is a sad and painful loss to the family; his home state, Jigawa; the country’s judicial community and indeed the entire nation, we should take solace in the fact that he lived impactful life.
“Many who were close to the erudite jurist fondly described him as an avid reader who loved Nigeria and had a passion for the job.
“Aside his distinguished service to the country as the 13th CJN, the Party recall his exemplary service as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kaduna State; Chief Judge of Kano State Judiciary and Justice, Court of Appeal, among other important appointments.
“A staunch proponent for judicial reforms in the country, the late Musdapher was a frontline bastion for the entrenchment of constitutional democracy in the country. Indeed, his transition marks the exit of a great legal icon and an astute adjudicator.
“The APC offers deep condolences and pray the Almighty Allah grant his deserving soul eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the loss.”
Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal also condoled with Justice Musdapher’s family.
In a message by his spokesman Imam Imam, the governor said the deceased made invaluable contributions to the development of the legal profession.
Tambuwal said: “He was jurist’s jurist. He was a man of distinction and impeccable character. His life is an example in dedication and commitment to legal ethos, norms and values.
“In work or in retirement, Justice Musdapher exemplified all that was good and commendable about the legal profession. In the service of truth, justice and fairness, he made his mark.
”The thoughts and prayers of the people of Sokoto State are with the Musdapher family especially at this very difficult moment of grief.
“While we join you to mourn his painful departure, we are certain that you will find consolation in the fact that he had lived a worthy life, and stood as beacon of service, religious devotion and community leadership.
“Nigeria will remember him as a man who gave his best towards the development of the country. His contributions have enriched legal jurisprudence. He has played his part well, and we pray to Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest.”
Justice Musdapher was born a member of the Bani Ya’muusa clan in Babura Town in Babura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.