The Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution urging the Federal Government to immortalise late former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Idris Kutigi, by naming a national monument after him.
Kutigi died on Saturday in a London hospital at the age of 78 years.
The senate’s resolution to honour the deceased former CJN emanated from a motion sponsored by Sen. David Umaru, representing Niger-East Senatorial District, the deceased’s constituency.
Umaru described the former CJN as a gentleman, who occupied the Bench with “unquestionable integrity, character, industry and dignity” during his lifetime.
He added that Kutigi left behind indelible footprints and enduring legacies in the Nigerian judiciary.
The senator recalled that Kutuigi had a distinguished career in the legal profession at the state and federal levels that spanned 40 years.
The deceased, according to him, was the first Niger indigene to be appointed to the Supreme Court, and so far, the only CJN in Nigeria’s history to swear in his successor.
“During his tenure as CJN, he initiated reforms that began the process of repositioning the Nigerian judiciary into a strong, independent and impartial judiciary.
“Kutigi was a patriot and nationalist whose devotion to the development of Nigeria spurred him to continue to serve the nation even after his retirement.
“This was exemplified by his acceptance to serve as the Chairman of the National Conference convened by the then President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014,” Umaru said.
He commiserated with the Nigerian judiciary, the government and people of Niger over the passing of the erudite jurist.
Contributing to the motion, Sen. Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), described Kutigi as a no-nonsense individual, and one of the few incorruptible judges in the country.
Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi (Niger North) said the death of the former CJN was a national loss due to his immense contributions to the development of the country.
On his part, Sen. Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) said Kutigi demonstrated “extraordinary integrity, calmness and disposition towards efficient dispensation of justice while on the Bench of the Supreme Court as CJN’’.
Umeh, who was a delegate to the 2014 National Conference, recalled how the deceased was able to successfully steer the forum, characterised by “so many contentious issues and frayed nerves”.
“It is to his credit that in spite of the turbulent conference we had in 2014, we were able to reach 600 important resolutions on very important national issues by consensus; we never voted on any item.
“As much as people felt very strongly on certain matters, Kutigi was able to navigate the conference both inside and outside plenary to reach middle grounds on many issues canvassed,” he said.
The senators consequently resolved to send a high-powered delegation to commiserate with Kutigi’s family, the government and people of Niger.
