The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has expressed sadness over the death of former president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mamman Nasir, describing the late judge as an eminent jurist who contributed immensely to national development.Saraki in statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that the legacies of the late jurist which are replete in his copious rulings and judgements on the many cases he presided during his lifetime would remain a guiding light and source of inspiration to both members of the bench and bar for a long time to come.
Saraki said: “Justice Mamman Nasir was a fearless and hardworking jurist who approached every assignment with firmness and patriotism. He contributed immensely to the development of the judiciary in particular and the nation in general. We shall all miss him.
“He looked very strong when I presented his award to him at the inaugural annual awards ceremony of the Body of Benchers. Nobody could see him that day and predict that he was in his last days. But Allah knows best”, Saraki stated.
He commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the nation’s judiciary, the government and people of Katsina State over the sad and irreparable loss.
He prayed Allah to grant the departed soul a place among the righteous ones in Aljannah firdaus and his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Similarly, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has described the passing of Justice Nasir, as a great loss to the nation.
The emir in his condolence message signed by the National Secretary of Shehu Alimi Foundation for Peace and Development, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, said “His Lordship, late Justice Mamman Nasir will remain in the hearts of Nigerians forever.
The monarch disclosed that late Mamman Nasir was an epitome and embodiment of peace, equity and justice towards ensuring the emergence of a new Nigeria through selfless service and placement of national interest above other matters.
According to him, “He was indeed an incorruptible judicial officer whose penchant for rule of law and fundamental human right was never negotiable. Working with him at every stages of his life on the bench was a lifelong experience that could happen to any judicial officer due to his display of genuine love for the nation as well as providing reliable mentorship platforms for younger generations in a bid to sustaining his good leadership and giving the nation the best judicial practices in years to come.
“My relationship with him remained cordial even when he retired as the Appeal Court President in 1992 and was turbaned as the Galadiman Katsina while I resigned as the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division in 1995 to become the 11th Emir of Ilorin.”
The Emir said the deceased will surely be missed by Nigerians who believe in the peace, unity and progress of the nation.
He therefore prayed to God to give his family and the people and government of Katsina the fortitude to bear the great loss and admit his soul into Al-janat firdaos.
