Nigeria, June 7 -- The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has paid an emotional tribute to a former CJN, Mohammed Uwais, who died earlier today.

In a press statement she signed, Mrs Kekere-Ekun described Mr Uwais as a "towering figure in Nigeria's legal and judicial history" whose contributions to the development of Nigeria would "forever remain etched" in its history.

She said the late jurist was as a man committed to justice and distinguished himself during his appointment to the Supreme Court in 1979 and his service as CJN from 1995 to 2006.

She also noted that despite his retirement, Mr Uwais' passion and "deep love" for the nation compelled him to chair the Electoral Reform Committee.

While extending her condole...