Gov Bala Pays Last Respects to Late CJN Ibrahim Tanko in Giade
By Ahmad Ahmed
The Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has paid a condolence visit to Giade, the hometown of the late former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (GCON), following his death after a brief illness.
During the visit, the governor commiserated with members of the bereaved family, traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents of Giade, describing the late jurist as an illustrious son of Bauchi State and a distinguished Nigerian whose life was defined by justice, integrity, and selfless service to the nation.
Governor Mohammed said Justice Tanko Muhammad’s remarkable journey through the ranks of the judiciary from the High Court to the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, and ultimately as Chief Justice of Nigeria between 2019 and 2022 reflected uncommon discipline, professional excellence, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
According to him, the late CJN’s contributions to Nigeria’s justice system would remain enduring and worthy of emulation by present and future generations of legal practitioners.He prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed jurist, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
The governor also urged the family to find comfort in the remarkable legacy and national respect Justice Tanko Muhammad left behind.
The death of the former Chief Justice has continued to attract tributes from government officials, members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, and Nigerians from across the country, all acknowledging his immense contributions to the growth of the nation’s legal system.
Born on 31 December 1953 in Giade, Bauchi State, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad received his early education in Giade and Azare before proceeding to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained his LL.B in 1980, LL.M in 1985, and a Ph.D in Law in 1998.
His judicial career, spanning over four decades, began as a Magistrate in Bauchi State and culminated in his appointment as Chief Justice of Nigeria.As CJN, he presided over landmark election petition cases, championed judicial discipline and ethical conduct, and played key roles in constitutional interpretation and the advancement of Sharia jurisprudence within Nigeria’s legal framework.
Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad will be remembered as a beacon of integrity whose life and service strengthened Nigeria’s judiciary and upheld the ideals of justice and fairness.
