“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. Great men like Akanbi didn’t believe in joining evil because it was popular or supported by the majority,” the President said.
President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to the former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mustapha Akanbi, describing him as a man whose greatest asset in life was his enviable integrity and incorruptibility.
Mallam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, made this known in a statement he issued in Abuja on Sunday, copy of which was made available to The DEFENDER.
As the eminent jurist is laid to rest following his demise on Sunday morning in Ilorin, Kwara State, the President believes that Justice Akanbi will be long remembered for his enormous contributions in bringing credibility and respectability to the country’s judiciary.
The President noted that the death of the pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was a colossal loss not only to the Nigerian judiciary, but the country as a whole.
According to the President, “being respected by the people for your honesty and patriotism is the best legacy a man can leave behind.”
Buhari said, “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.
President Buhari extended his heartfelt condolences to Justice Akanbi’s family, the government and people of Kwara State and the entire Ilorin Emirate.
The President prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the gentle soul of the deceased and reward his remarkable good deeds with Aljanna.
President of The DEFENDER, AIG Mu’azu Idris Hadejia (Rtd), had earlier on Sunday paid his tribute to the late judiciary juggernaut saying he would be missed by the anti-corruption community of Nigeria.
