WorldStage Newsonline– Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has described as shocking and devastating the passing away of the Pioneer Chairman of Independence Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mustapha Akanbi (CFR).
Governor Ahmed in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba said the state and indeed Nigeria has lost a rare gem, philanthropist and revivalist.
“Justice Akanbi’s years in 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”, Dr Ahmed said.
The governor explained that his philanthropist gesture and investment in education, which is a key component of human capital development, will be greatly missed by all.
Governor Ahmed described Justice Akanbi as a true Nigerian, Pan Africanist and lover of his community with exceptional penchant for the advancement of humanity irrespective of race, ethnicity and religious belief.
According to the governor, Late Justice Akanbi was an epitome of humility, uprightness, honesty and discipline whose virtues would remain exemplary to generations to come.
Gov Ahmed recalled that Justice Mustapha Akanbi was among eminent Kwarans honoured by the state last year for his contributions to national development during the 50th anniversary.
“The state and indeed the entire country is grieved that it has lost one of its finest. The state is saddened that the outstanding contributions of the elder statesman will be sorely missed. But we take solace that Justice Akanbi lived a pious, modest and exemplary life worth of emulation”.
Gov Ahmed prayed Allah to grant the truly incorruptible Judge Aljanat fridaus and give the family, the Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole the fortitude to bear the loss.
Similarly, a social-cultural group of professionals, Third-Estate Ilorin Emirate has condoled the family of Justice Akanbi.
In a condolence message signed by the President of the group, Malam Bolaji Nagode said Nigeria has lost an incorruptible jurist, a great scholar, philanthropist and finest anti-corruption advocate.
Nagode said: “With deep sympathy, the Third-Estate wishes to condole with the entire family of one of our grand patrons, pioneer Chairman of ICPC, a respected and incorruptible jurist, a finest anti-corruption advocate and philanthropist, Justice Mustapha Akanbi.
“The news of his demise came as a very rude shock, especially at this critical period when the nation could tap from his experience, expertise and suggestions in moving our nation forward. His passing is a big loss to Ilorin Emirate of Kwara State and the nation in general.
“Despite his position and powerful connection, Justice Akanbi lived a humble, simple and contented life for emulation. He had dedicated his life after retirement by engaging actively in charitable activities, educational endowments, counselling, philanthropy and other services towards a better society.
“Justice Akanbi who was highly admired across the country for his humility, sincerity and honesty, will be long remembered for his invaluable contributions to the growth of judiciary and anti-corruption advocacies.
“We nevertheless take solace in the supremacy of Almighty Allah over the affairs of human beings on this earthly word. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
