“Nigeria has lost visionary leaders” – Peter Obi mourns Uwais, Jibril Aminu

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has joined the nation in mourning the passing of two distinguished statesmen, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwais, and former Minister of Education and Petroleum Resources, Professor Jibril Aminu.

In a tribute shared via his official X handle on Friday, Obi described both men as visionary leaders whose contributions to Nigeria’s development will not be forgotten.

His words: “Justice Uwais was an outstanding jurist who upheld the rule of law and ensured that justice prevailed under his watch.

“Equally significant was his contribution to deepening our democracy through the renowned Uwais Report, which laid the groundwork for vital electoral reforms.”

On Professor Aminu, Obi praised him as a bold and forward-thinking educationist whose efforts aimed at inclusive learning were ahead of their time.

He said: “Professor Aminu was a conscientious educationist who also served as President of OPEC.

“I admired his bold vision to bring education to the grassroots through the controversial nomadic education system, designed to reach herdsmen wherever they were.

“He was both futuristic and revolutionary in his approach. Had the programme been sustained, it would have significantly improved access to education for pastoral communities.

“Professor Aminu was a man who saw tomorrow and understood the transformative power of mass education as a catalyst for national development.”

Obi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of both men, saying Nigeria urgently needs more leaders with their calibre, foresight, and integrity to tackle the nation’s growing challenges.

He extended his condolences to their families and the governments of Kaduna and Adamawa States, praying for their peaceful repose and strength for their loved ones.

“May Almighty Allah grant them eternal rest and give their families the strength to bear the loss,” he added.