Buhari, Masari, ACF mourn late Justice Mamman Nasir

The remains of the late Galadima-Kastina, who died in the afternoon at the Federal Medical Centre, Katsina, after a protracted illness, had been laid to rest according to Islamic rites in Malumfashi, his hometown at about 4 pm. In his tribute, President Muhammadu Buhari has described the death of Justice Mamman Nasir, as not only “a loss to the judiciary, but also the country at large, because of his remarkable commitment to public service’’. The President said Buhari believed that the late Nasir belonged to a generation of Judges and Justices who perceived public office as an opportunity to offer selfless service to the country and its people in a statement issued on his behalf by one of his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu He said: “Nasir and Judges of their golden age were more interested in leaving untainted record of integrity than accumulation of wealth overnight. “When you look at Nasir’s modest lifestyle and his incredibly humble possessions, you would be disarmed at once by his honesty and patriotism. “While some Nigerians perceive public office as an opportunity to line their pockets, men of Nasir’s character put a higher premium on honest labour than on greedy accumulation of questionable wealth overnight.’’ President Buhari explained that “gentlemen like Mamman Nasir succeeded in protecting their reputation because greed was far removed from their minds”, and that “contentment is the secret to a happy life of service to the people.” According to the President, lack of contentment is the devil behind greedy accumulation of wealth at the expense of others, but “selfless public servants like Nasir were never motivated by the desire to live above their means.” President Buhari said Nasir’s family should be proud of their father because he built “a solid and impeccable record of integrity, which is the greatest asset any individual should leave behind.” The statement said Buhari would send a presidential delegation to condole with the family, the government and people of Katsina State for the loss of this illustrious member of the Katsina Emirate Council. Also, Gov Aminu Masari of Katsina State has expressed sadness over the death of the former President, Court of Appeal and Galadiman-Katsina, Justice Mamman Nasir, saying that Nigeria has lost one of its last standing illustrious sons. Masari stated this on Saturday in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Abdu Labaran, and made available to newsmen in Katsina. He described the late jurist as “one of the leading conscience of the nation, who led an exemplary life defined by uncommon patriotism in the tradition of his mentor, the late Premier of the North and Sardaunan Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello. “The late traditional ruler and former jurist, whose professional career peaked as President of the Court of Appeal, was a rare gem, and his death has created a wide leadership chasm that may take a long time to fill. “His death is particularly devastating coming at a time when our nation, buffeted by many challenges, not least that of insecurity, requires his wise counsel”. The governor extended his condolences to President Muhammadu and the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumin Kabir Usman on behalf of himself, the government and people of Katsina state. He also called on Nigerians to borrow a leaf from the deceased and lead a life devoted to the service of the people in whatever endeavour they find themselves. The governor also condoled with the immediate family of the deceased and urged them to take consolation in the fact that he had lived a fulfilled life. He prayed to the Almighty Allah to forgive him all his shortcomings and make paradise his final resting place. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) described late Justice Mamman Nasir, former President, Court of Appeal as an embodiment of hard work, diligence and selflessness, who committed his life to nation building. The ACF said this in a condolence message to the family of the late jurist, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, issued in Kaduna on Saturday. It said that Nigeria and the North in particular have lost a finest elder statesman, bridge builder and a leader who lived a simple and humble life. ‘The elder statesman was a man of great vision and public intelligence which he put to use in tireless support for the unity and stability of Nigeria. “The late elder statesman would be remembered for his commitment to national unity, peace, harmony through selfless service to his fatherland. “And above all, for his sustenance of the legacy of late Prenier of Northern Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, to wit, honesty, selfless service, accountability and respect for constituted authority.” The ACF prayed that those he left behind would live up to what he stood for. It also prayed for the repose of his soul in Aljannah firdaus, and for the family, the government and people of Katsina State to bear the loss with fortitude.]]>