Rasaq AbdulKareem/
President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to the former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mustapha Akanbi. He described him as a man whose greatest asset in life was his enviable integrity and incorruptibility.
As the eminent jurist is laid to rest following his demise early today in Ilorin, Kwara State, the President, according to his spokesman – Garba Shehu, believes that Justice Akanbi will be long remembered for his enormous contributions in bringing credibility and respectability to the country’s judiciary.
Shehu says in a press statement: “The President notes that the death of the pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is a colossal loss not only to the Nigerian judiciary, but the country as a whole.
“According to the President, being respected by the people for your honesty and patriotism is the best legacy a man can leave behind.
“In a country where corruption is perceived as fashionable, Akanbi stood out as a remarkable man who put personal integrity and selflessness before the desire for money outside his legitimate income.”
The President affirms that Justice Akanbi’s greatest achievement was leaving the public service with his integrity intact and untainted, noting that throughout his distinguished career in the judiciary and public service, he resisted the defeatist mindset that ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’.
“Great men like Akanbi didn’t believe in joining evil because it was popular or supported by the majority.”
Shehu conveyed President Buhari’s “heartfelt condolences to Justice Akanbi’s family, the government and people of Kwara State and the entire Ilorin Emirate”.
He stated: “The President prays that Almighty Allah will forgive the gentle soul of the deceased and reward his remarkable good deeds with Aljanna (paradise).”
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