Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has expressed profound sadness following the death of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Muhammad Tanko, who passed away at the age of 72. The announcement was made in an official statement by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Mukhtar Gidado, and disseminated to news outlets in Bauchi on Tuesday.
Justice Tanko, who served as the head of Nigeria’s judiciary from July 2019 to June 2022, reportedly died in a hospital in Saudi Arabia after battling a prolonged illness. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s legal history.
In his tribute, Governor Mohammed eulogized the late jurist as “a man of integrity and steadfast commitment to the rule of law.” He further described Justice Tanko as a venerable figure whose career was a testament to unwavering dedication and principled service.
“He rose through the legal profession with diligence and distinction,” the Governor stated, highlighting a career that spanned decades. Justice Tanko’s journey saw him serve in various capacities, including Justice of the Supreme Court (2012-2019) and Chairman of the National Judicial Council, before his appointment as CJN.
The Governor’s statement elaborated on the former CJN’s professional impact: “During his illustrious career, Justice Tanko was widely respected for his legal acumen, discipline, and contributions to the development of Nigeria’s judicial system.” These contributions include presiding over a period of significant electoral and constitutional cases, which shaped the nation’s political landscape. His leadership, though not without its controversies, notably his resignation in 2022 citing health reasons, was a pivotal era for the judiciary.
Governor Mohammed also pointed to the national recognition Justice Tanko received: “His elevation to the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) was a testimony to his impactful service to the nation.” This honour, one of Nigeria’s highest, is typically reserved for the Vice President, the CJN, and other exceptional national figures, underscoring the stature he held.
Emphasizing the scale of the loss, the Governor concluded, “His passing is a significant loss not only to Bauchi State but to the Nigerian judiciary and the rule of law.” As a native of Bauchi State, Justice Tanko’s death is felt keenly as a loss of a distinguished son, but his legacy extends nationally, impacting the very foundations of justice and governance in Africa’s most populous nation.
Governor Mohammed extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, friends, colleagues across the legal profession, the people of Bauchi State, and all Nigerians mourning the departed jurist.
