The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mariam Aloma Mukthar, yesterday eulogised the virtues of the late Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Saidu Kawu.

The CJN who was in Ilorin, Kwara State to commiserate with the Ikokoro family over the death of the pioneer Chief Judge of the state described Kawu as a thorough judge.

The eldest son of the deceased, Justice Sulaiman Kawu, and the chairman of SUBEB, Barr Lanre Daibu led other family members to receive the CJN and members of her entourage.

The CJN added that Kawu was gentle to the core and noted that the late jurist had immortalised himself through the thorough judgments he delivered while in active service.

Aloma Mukhtar, therefore, urged judges in the country to emulate Kawu's exemplary conduct.

The CJN noted that the late justice of the apex court contributed immensely to the growth of the judiciary, saying "To say he has left a good mark on the sands of time is an understatement".

She said, "We ought to have been here, but I was away when he passed on. I met him between 1961 and 1962 for the first time when a party was organised for him in London. I also met him in Bida in the late 60s when he was a magistrate. He was a gentleman to the core.

"He was very thorough, learned in the real sense of the word and contributed a lot to the judiciary. We are very sad he left us, but one day, we'll all go.

"He has played his part very well; we need to pray for him. We are all passing; we need to emulate the example of those that have gone before us", she remarked.

She admonished the bereaved to be consoled by the fact that the deceased lived a life worthy of emulation by all.

A senior member of the deceased's family, Alhaji Saidu, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked the CJN for the condolence visit.

Justice Aloma Mukhtar, who arrived the late Saidu Kawu's compound around 9:25am, was accompanied by Supreme Court Justices including Justice Onouga, Justice Fabiyi, Justice Ogebe and Justice Clara Ogunbiyi among others.

Aged 85, Justice Saidu Kawu died December 25, 2013.