Musdapher: Epitome of humility and service

BY MOHAMMED BELLO ADOKE

It was with a deep sense of loss, but with total submission to will of the Almighty Allah that I received the news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s legal icon and outstanding jurist in the person of Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher, GCON,  former Chief Justice of Nigeria. I first met His Lordship as a student of Ahmadu Bello University and Member of the Governing Council of the National Association of Law Students. At that time, he was the Chief Judge of Kano State and from then, we developed a relationship.

I had the opportunity of working closely with him when President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR appointed him to the exalted position of the Honourable The Chief Justice of Nigeria, while I was serving as the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. I enjoyed the most wonderful relationship with him as Chief Justice of Nigeria. He was accessible and ready to offer his fatherly advise on issues affecting the Judiciary, the legal profession, the observance of the rule of law, good governance, transparency and accountability and our collective efforts as a government to deepen and consolidate democracy in Nigeria.

It is gratifying to observe that, in all his dealings, His Lordship demonstrated remarkable knowledge of the law, humility and deep sense of service to the country, the legal profession and humanity. While we shall all miss his wise counsel and contributions to nation building, we are consoled by the realisation that His Lordship lived a fulfilled life, was at peace with his creator and has through his judicial pronouncements left an enduring legacy for the legal profession and humanity.

May the Almighty Allah grant him Jannatul firdausi and his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Adoke is former attorney-general of the federation.