President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to the former President of the Court of Appeal, Mustapha Akanbi, describing 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 on Sunday morning in Ilorin, Kwara State, the president believes that he will be long remembered for his enormous contributions in bringing credibility and respectability to the country’s judiciary.
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,” the president said.
President Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to Mr Akanbi’s family, the government and people of Kwara State and the entire Ilorin Emirate.
The president prays that Almighty Allah will forgive the gentle soul of the deceased and reward his remarkable good deeds with Aljanna (paradise).
