As the chief justice of Nigeria, he became a beacon of integrity and reform, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s legal landscape.

Uwais on Friday at the age of 88, coinciding with the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. As family and loved ones gathered for his Janazah prayer, heartfelt tributes poured in, honouring his memory.

President Bola Tinubu Uwais as a “phenomenal jurist and statesman” who served Nigeria with honor, courage, and exceptional integrity. Chidi Odinkalu, human rights advocate and professor, noted that “under him, Nigerians voted the judiciary as the Man of the Year in 2006”.

In his tribute, Kayode Ajulo, attorney general of Ondo, called Uwais “a true beacon of integrity, guiding the judiciary with grace and wisdom”, adding that his tenure as chief justice from 1995 to 2006 “fundamentally transformed the landscape of the nation’s legal system, laying a foundation that continues to resonate today.”

Uwais was born into a family that valued education and public service. His father, a respected community leader, instilled in him the importance of integrity and hard work. He attended the Tudun Wada Elementary School and later Barewa College. Uwais pursued his education with diligence, earning his LL.B. from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He furthered his legal education at the School of Oriental and African Studies and Weldon College of Law in the UK.

He was called to the English bar in 1963 and the Nigerian bar in 1964, marking the beginning of a distinguished legal career.

His early career saw him working as a private legal practitioner, where he honed his skills and developed a reputation for fairness and meticulousness. He was later appointed a counsel at the ministry of justice in northern Nigeria.

He rose through the ranks to become solicitor-general and permanent secretary of the north-central state in 1971. In 1973, he was appointed as an acting judge of the high courts of Benue and Plateau, and north eastern states, becoming a substantive judge in 1974. He briefly served as the acting chief judge of Kaduna state in 1976. On January 1, 1977, he was elevated to the federal court of appeal, and in August 1979, he was appointed to the supreme court.

In 1995, Mohammed Uwais was appointed as the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), a position he held until his retirement in 2006. His tenure as CJN was marked by significant efforts to reform the Nigerian judiciary. Uwais was a strong advocate for judicial independence and efficiency, believing that a robust judiciary was essential for the rule of law and democratic governance.

“The judiciary must be the bedrock of democracy,” he was once quoted as saying, emphasising its role in upholding the rule of law. One of his most notable contributions was the establishment of the National Judicial Council (NJC) in 1999, a body that oversees judicial appointments, promotions, and discipline.

Uwais also delivered several landmark judgments during his time on the bench. One such case involved the legality of the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His ruling had significant implications for electoral processes in Nigeria, reinforcing the importance of transparency and fairness in elections.

After retiring as CJN, Uwais continued to contribute to Nigeria’s democratic development. In 2007, he was appointed by ex-president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to chair the electoral reform committee, tasked with reviewing and recommending changes to Nigeria’s electoral system. The committee was inaugurated in response to widespread criticisms of the 2007 general election.

The committee’s report, known as the Uwais Report, proposed sweeping reforms, including the transfer of the power to appoint the commissioners and chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from the president to the National Judicial Council (NJC) to guarantee independence.

The committee also proposed that the INEC chairman and commissioners should be subject to senate confirmation after nomination by the NJC. In addition, the report recommended the unbundling of INEC, independent candidacy, and a specific timeline for election dispute resolution. Most importantly, it championed the use of modern technology such as biometric data capture, electronic voting, and electronic transmission of results to reduce fraud.

The Uwais Report was hailed as a blueprint for electoral reform. Despite its challenges, Uwais remained steadfast in his belief that these reforms were essential for Nigeria’s democratic future.

His work on the committee underscored his commitment to improving governance and ensuring that every Nigerian’s vote counted.

While Uwais was widely respected for his judicial integrity, his tenure was not without controversy. Some critics argued that the judiciary under his leadership did not do enough to curb corruption within its ranks.

There were allegations of judicial misconduct and delays in addressing these issues, which led to public scrutiny and calls for accountability.

Additionally, the implementation of the Uwais Report on electoral reforms faced significant political resistance. Some political parties and stakeholders opposed the proposed changes, arguing that they were too radical or impractical. This resistance led to debates about the effectiveness of Uwais’s post-retirement contributions and whether his vision for electoral reform could be realised.

Nevertheless, Uwais remained a figure of integrity and dedication. He consistently advocated for transparency and accountability, both within the judiciary and the broader political system. His critics acknowledged his commitment to these principles, even if they disagreed with his methods or the outcomes of his efforts.

HIS LEGACY

Uwais’s legacy extends beyond his judicial and electoral reforms. He was a mentor to many young lawyers and judges, imparting his values of integrity and diligence. His influence can be seen in the many legal professionals who cite him as a role model and inspiration.

In his later years, Uwais remained active in legal and civic circles, often speaking at conferences and contributing to discussions on legal and political issues. His insights and experiences were valued by many, and he continued to advocate for the principles he held dear throughout his career.

Uwais’s life was one of service, integrity, and dedication to the rule of law. From his early days under the neem tree in Zaria to his tenure as chief justice of Nigeria, he remained committed to improving the legal and political systems of his country.

As the country mourns his passing, Uwais will be remembered not only for his legal acumen but also for his unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness and integrity.