Adoke: Kutigi democratised the appointment of SANs

Idris Legbo Kutigi, former chief justice of Nigeria who died on Sunday, democratised the appointment of senior advocates of Nigeria (SAN), Mohammed Bello Adoke, former attorney-general of the federation, has said.

In a eulogy he shared with TheCable, Adoke said Kutigi’s death “is a personal loss to me”.

Adoke wrote: “I woke to the sad news of the demise of Hon. Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, GCON  former Chief Justice of Nigeria, a jurist rightfully celebrated for his forthrightness, respect for the rule of law and amiability. Nigeria has indeed lost yet another cerebral jurist and shinning star in the judiciary. He was an accomplished administrator and consensus builder who used his immense wealth of experience to bear on his service to the country in various capacities.

“His demise is a personal loss to me. He touched my life in a most phenomenal way always willing to assist and offer advice to those of us who flocked around him. He, it was, that encouraged me alongside Justices Ejiwunmi, Acholonu and Katsina-Alu to take Silk in 2006. He appointed me to the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC). I recall with nostalgia the very able manner he presided over the meetings of the LPPC. He democratized the process, encouraged robust consideration of applicants for the Rank in line with set rules thereby ensuring fairness and transparency in the appointment of Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

“As the Legal community and indeed Nigerians mourn the passing of this great jurist and bridge builder, let us be consoled by his legacy of outstanding service to God, the Legal Profession and humanity in general.

“May Allah in His infinite mercies grant him Aljana Firdausi.”