The national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu said on Sunday that the nation is diminished by the transition of Justice Mustapha Akanbi, stating that his death isn’t just a loss to his family; it is a loss to us all.
“He was a renowned legal luminary, a highly respected judge and an elder statesman. He was committed to the rule of law and social justice. Justice Akanbi was one of the few incorruptible judges the nation has ever produced. He epitomises all that is good about the judiciary.
“On the bench, as President of the Court of Appeal, he distinguished himself and gave the profession a good name. As pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices andOther Related Offences Commission in 2000, serving till around 2005, Justice Akanbi put in place the structures and laidthe foundation for the working of the agency.
“It is painful that his transition comes at a time when President Muhammadu Buhari has put the fight against corruption at the front burner. His Lordship’s experience as a judge with a clean record had been quite useful for the country’s fight against corruption.The legal profession, which he served all his life, will miss him. Justice Akanbi will be particularly missed by lawyers, judges and other Nigerians whom he inspired through his exemplary leadership style and uprightness.
“I urge us all to seek solace in the fact that he lived a life of probity and was an inspiration to many citizens. My appeal is that we all emulate his sterling qualities. I commiserate with the family he left behind. I pray that God grant them the strength to bear this transition.
“I also pray that God grants his family and dependants the strength to bear his transition. May Allah grant hi soul Aljanah Fridaus,” the statement from his media office said.