The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, has directed all national flags in the premises of the Supreme Court and his official residence in the Three Arms Zone of Abuja, be flown at half-mast in honour of former CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, who died Tuesday.
Musdapher died on Monday night in a London hospital at the age of 75.
A statement by the media aide to the CJN, Mr. Awassam Bassey, said was given by Justice Onnoghen in the early hours of Tuesday, after he was informed of the demise of the ex-CJN who passed away in a Hospital in London.
“In the same vein, flags at all judicial institutions, including the National Judicial Council (NJC), the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), as well as all Courts of Records in the country are also to comply with this directive.
“The National Judicial Service Council 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 statement added.
Reacting to the death, President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, expressed sadness over the death of the former CJN and described him as a respected jurist who spent his life in the service of his state, country and humanity.
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that the passage of the legal giant was a monumental loss to the judiciary in particular and Nigeria in general.
He stated that Justice Musdapher would remain an inspiration to the younger generation, having traversed the judicial ranks first as a legal practitioner with a meritorious practice in the bar before he was appointed the Attorney General of old Kaduna State.
“His dedication and hard work paved the way for his eventual appointment as a Judge in the Kano State Judiciary, where he rose to become the Chief Judge of the state before his elevation as a Justice of the Court of Appeal and later Justice of the Supreme Court, until he retired five years ago as the CJN.
“He will be remembered for his immense contributions to the development of the judiciary in Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa states, in particular, and the country in general. He lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation. He shall be sorely missed,” Saraki said.
He commiserated with the wife, children and grand children of the deceased and urged them to be consoled by the good life the late jurist lived.
He also condoled with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, the entire Nigerian Judiciary, the people and government of Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa States and urged them to see the loss as the will of Almighty Allah.
Saraki prayed God to grant the soul of the former CJN a place among the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus and his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
All Progressives Congress, APC, expressed shock at the death of the former CJN, describing him as a frontline bastion for the enthronement of constitutional democracy in Nigeria.
APC in a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, 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 recalled 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 offer deep condolences and pray the Almighty Allah grant his deserving soul eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the loss.”
Musdapher was appointed CJN in 2011 by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
He retired from the bench five years ago on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.
He served as chief judge of the Kano State judiciary from 1979 to 1985, and as a member of the Court of Appeal from 1985 till 2003.
The former CJN was honoured with the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, in 2003 and Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, in 2008.
