The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of two respected Nigerian figures—Justice Mohammed Uwais, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, and Professor Jibril Aminu, a former Minister of Education and Petroleum Resources.
In a heartfelt statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) page on Friday, Obi paid tribute to both men, noting their significant roles in shaping Nigeria’s legal and educational systems. He described them as visionary individuals who worked with dedication and left behind a legacy that future generations can look up to.
Obi remembered Justice Uwais as a man who stood firmly for the rule of law. “Justice Uwais was an outstanding jurist who upheld the rule of law and ensured that justice prevailed under his watch,” Obi said. He also pointed out the importance of the Uwais Report, which has long been considered a crucial document for electoral reform in the country.
Speaking about Professor Jibril Aminu, Obi recalled his impact in the education sector. He praised Aminu’s efforts to bring learning closer to underserved communities, especially with the launch of the nomadic education programme.
According to Obi, “Professor Aminu was a conscientious educationist who also served as President of OPEC. I admired his bold vision to bring education to the grassroots through the controversial nomadic education system, designed to reach herdsmen wherever they were.”
Obi noted that Aminu’s ideas were ahead of their time and that such initiatives could have changed the face of education in remote parts of the country if they had been properly continued.
He further expressed sadness over the deaths of both men, saying Nigeria still needs strong, visionary leaders like them who can bring meaningful change. He extended his condolences to the families of the late Justice Uwais and Professor Aminu, as well as to the people and governments of Kaduna and Adamawa states.
