Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba state has described the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed as the very soul of transparency, balance and accommodating.
The governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Emmanuel Bello, said that the state is blessed with eminent jurist like the retiring Justice Mahmud Mohammed that had done the state proud.
According to the governor, Justice Mohammed has not only creditably discharged his duties well but has become a profound reference point in jurisprudence.
Governor Darius Ishaku said: “Justice Mohammed is a true Taraba hero and a man we have no proper words to describe. If you say he is detribalized, that’s an understatement. If you call him just and fair, you are but stating the obvious. Here is a man who is not swayed by any primordial considerations of tribe, religion or social status. He is down to earth, humane and highly cerebral. In his persona, we feel all that is perfect in us as a people. We see Justice Mohammed and know in our hearts that we are indeed a great people.”
The Governor stressed that although Justice Mohammed is due to bow out in November, his absence is already being felt, adding: “I really don’t know who can actually match Justice Mohammed in this capacity. His exit from the position would surely be viewed as the end of an era that cannot be easily replicated.
“Is it his fear of God, his forthrightness, his deep contempt for opulence, his penchant for the truth, his loyalty to the constitution or his love for his fellow man? He exemplifies the best in his chosen profession and has walked in the wisdom of God in dealing with judgments.”
Going down memory lane, Governor Ishaku said Justice Mohammed had often taken decisions not viewed as popular or politically correct.
“If you analyze many of his positions, you would find a distinct element: the ability to take a stand that might not be popular but is the truth. In our state, he has often shocked some who believe he would be swayed by artificial barriers in passing judgments. He doesn’t. Rather, he normally shatters the glass ceiling, daring the status quo and making historic decisions to the delight of the majority of our people. That was the zeal and hard work he brought to the national stage. We are proud of his accomplishments, we celebrate the momentum he has generated and we hold him dear as a worthy representative of our land.”
Governor Ishaku who advised legal practitioners to emulate the virtues of Justice Mohammed, observed that Taraba state would find the best ways possible to honour the illustrious “son of the soil.
“Justice Mohammed is, no doubt, a citizen of the legal world but we in Taraba state proudly consider him first as our own. He has always been an inspiration to many of our legal practitioners. No wonder our state can boast of its fair share of dazzling stars in that sphere.”
The Taraba state governor was also elated by the apt appointment, yesterday, of Justice Paul Galumje, who he described as another bonafide son of the soil.
He said that Justce Paul’s appointment is not only fitting but necessary, saying: “Justice Galumje brings to the Supreme Court the same Taraba state spirit of service, excellence and dedication. I can only congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari, for making a decision clearly based on merit and goodwill beyond the shadows of sentiments. I also rejoice with the legal world who are indeed energized by Justice Galumje’s entry.
“Right from his days in the state, Justice Galumje had stood out as another symbol of blind justice, exceptionally standing out and rising above the fray. His elevation didn’t come as a surprise to the denizens of the profession. Instead, this appointment, once more has reinvigorate the base, gladden the hearts of Taraba citizens and has demonstrated the independence the judiciary has truly experienced under the outgoing CJN.” [myad]
