Buhari mourns late Kutigi, Tukur

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has extended heartfelt condolences to the Kutigi family on the passing of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), the Honourable Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi.

He has also expressed “profound sadness’’ over the death of former Chairman of Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Eng. Hamman Tukur on Saturday.

President Buhari also commiserated with members of the judiciary and legal profession, the government and people of Niger State on the death of the eminent jurist, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1992 and named as Chief Justice in 2007.

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The President joined them in mourning the elder statesman who will be long remembered and honoured for his visionary roles and contributions in the advances our country has made towards building a strong, independent and impartial judiciary, which is sine qua non for democracy to thrive.

Buhari expressed his belief that throughout his career in the apex court, the former CJN’s bold and articulate judicial decisions, advocacies on access to justice for all and protection of judicial independence are extant signposts for the advancement of the noble profession in the country and beyond.

The President urged all who mourn the late jurist to honour his memory by working for a better and just society, in addition to upholding the virtues associated with him during his lifetime of long and dedicated service to the nation.

The President prayed almighty God to comfort Kutigi’s family, friends and associates and grant eternal rest to the soul of the departed.

As for the late Tukur, a former Managing Director of defunct National Electric Power Authority, Buhari noted that he is credited with the introduction of monetisation policy in government, a scheme that substantially streamlined and brought down the cost of governance in Nigeria.

The President described Tukur as “a dedicated, disciplined, decent and credible public servant who served Nigeria with an untainted record.’’

“Tukur’s passion for service should remind us that a good name is by far more important than illegal accumulation of wealth,’’ President Buhari said, adding that “History and posterity will judge everyone based on their character.’’

The President said the former Chairman of RMAFC was focused and courageous in all his national assignments, which includes working with the Ministry of Mines, Power and Steel and the Ministry of Petroleum before chairing the RMAFC.

President Buhari urged Nigerians to emulate late Tukur’s enviable good record of serving the country without blemish and living a life of sacrifice.

The President prayed that the Almighty God will receive the gentle soul of the deceased and grant his family members the fortitude to bear the great loss.