President Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed; and a National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, paid tribute to the pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and a former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mustapha Akanbi (retd.).
They were joined by the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad; a former Minister of National Planning, Prof Abubakar Sulaiman; the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, a chieftain of the APC, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, and a member of the National Executive Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Issa Aremu, among others.
While they all described Akanbi’s death as shocking and devastating, they extolled his sterling virtues as a renowned legal luminary, a highly respected judge who was committed to the rule of law and social justice, as well as a statesman.
Akanbi, who died after a brief illness in the early hours of Sunday, in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, was 85. He was survived by six children and about 20 grandchildren.
This was as the remains of the late Akanbi were after prayers, on Sunday, interred beside his wife’s tomb at his family mausoleum at Agbadam Street, off Ahmadu Bello Way, G.R.A., Ilorin, amid tears and tributes.
President Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, described the deceased as a man whose greatest asset in life was his enviable integrity and incorruptibility.
The President noted that the death of the pioneer Chairman of the ICPC was a colossal loss not only to the Nigerian judiciary but the country as a whole.
The statement said, “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 affirmed 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.
Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja on Sunday, described the late Akanbi as “an indefatigable, honest and principled jurist who upheld the fine ethics of the judicial process till he breathed his last.”
Describing the ex-ICPC boss’ death as a personal loss to him, the Senate President said, “I am sad that Baba (Akanbi) has left us. He was fearless, courageous and spoke truth to power during his lifetime. He was like a father to me. His death is a personal loss. Kwara State will miss him. Nigeria will miss him.”
Saraki said, “He was an anti-corruption czar who fought the malaise both when he was in and out of office. He never gave up. His untiring zeal to stamp out corruption from all facets of our national life never dimmed. He lived what he preached and you could see there was no pretence about him at all.”
Governor Ahmed, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, said, “Justice Akanbi’s years on the bench as an incorruptible judge, his stint at ICPC, struggle for good governance and involvement in community services would remain indelible in the history of Nigeria.”
He added, “The demise of our erudite learned father, Justice Mustapha Akanbi, marks the end of a phase in jurisprudence and justice administration in Nigeria.
“He was a rare gem, an epitome of justice and above all a forthright member of the bench. May the Almighty Allah be pleased with him in Aljanah Fridaos.”
Tinubu, in a statement released by his media office, said, “It is painful that his (Akanbi’s) transition comes at a time when President Muhammadu Buhari has put the fight against corruption on the front burner.
“His Lordship’s experience as a judge with a clean record had been quite useful for the country’s fight against corruption.”
The APC leader urged “all to seek solace in the fact that he lived a life of probity and was an inspiration to many citizens. My appeal is that we all emulate his sterling qualities.”
Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker, Ahmad, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Shuaib Abdulkadir, 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 a difficult moment.
In a statement by the National Secretary, Shehu Alimi Foundation for Peace and Development, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, Emir of Ilorin described late Akanbi as an incorruptible judicial officer, who served the nation without blemish.
“We have lost a rare gem in the Ilorin Emirate and nation at large,” he said.
Baraje described Akanbi as a father to all, a truly incorruptible judge, anti-corruption czar and great philanthropist which, according to him, made him establish his Non-Governmental Organisation, Mustapha Akanbi Foundation to cater for the poor and needy in the society.
Aremu, the NLC NEC member, lauded Akanbi’s “art of generosity and giving to the aged, the sick and people with disabilities” through his foundation.
