Date: 2018-06-03

The Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali Ahmad has described the former President Court of Appeal, Justice Mustapha Akanbi as one of the best judges ever produced by the Nigeria judiciary.

A condolence message issued by the Speaker's Special Assistant on Media, Shuaib Abdulkadir said the late jurist was an icon of Nigeria's judiciary, stressing that his demise was a collosal loss to the nation.

The Speaker noted that the pioneer chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) was acknowledged for his deep knowledge in law, disciplined personality and as an incorruptible jurist per excellence.

Ahmad added that throughout Late Justice Mustapha Akanbi's sterling career as a judge, he rendered selfless service to the country, saying that several years after his retirement lawyers still revere him as a result of his expertise in the field of law.

These qualities, according to him, made former President Olusegun Obasanjo to appoint Late Justice Akanbi as pioneer Chairman of ICPC shortly after Nigeria's return to civil rule.

The Speaker lamented that the erudite jurist died at a time his wealth of experience and wisdom were still required, particularly as the nation's judiciary is passing through difficult moment, in the nation's chequered history.

He said it was, however, gratifying that having served the Nigeria meritoriously for greater part of his life, Justice Akanbi, a Pan African of note, retired to his country home to dedicate his remaining years to serve Allah and humanity through the Mustapha Akanbi Foundation.

Ahmad described the late Wakilin of Ilorin Emirate as one the personalities who contributed significantly to the growth and development of Ilorin in particular and Kwara State at large.

He then consoled the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed over the loss of one the illustrious sons of the state.

"Late Justice Mustapha Akanbi was a source of inspiration to every Muslim, the Bar and the Bench. He was a big source of inspiration to baby lawyers in the legal profession and to a lot more people in community service. He was very religious. We can only pray Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-janah Firdaos", he said.

The Speaker equally prayed Allah to grant the Emir of Ilorin, his family, Mustapha Akanbi Foundation and Kwarans the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He also urged Justice Mustapha Akanbi's immediate family to see his death as a challenge to sustain the legacies of their father.