“The Time to Act Is Now”: Adegboruwa Demands Implementation of Uwais Electoral Reforms

Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has paid heartfelt tribute to the late Honourable Justice Muhammad Lawal Uwais, describing him as a jurist who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legal system through a legacy of excellence, integrity, and national service.

In a statement issued on Friday, Adegboruwa reflected on the illustrious legal career of Justice Uwais, who served as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) from 1995 to 2006. He praised Uwais’ unwavering dedication to justice and noted his rise from humble beginnings in Zaria to becoming one of Nigeria’s most revered judicial figures.

“My Lord rose from his humble background in Zaria to join the highest court of the land with an unblemished record of diligence in service,” Adegboruwa stated.
“He used his exalted office to promote unity, justice, and integrity across the nation.”

Justice Uwais, who was called to the Bar by the Middle Temple in London in 1963, held several distinguished roles during and after his time on the Supreme Court bench. These include chairmanship positions at the Nigerian Body of Benchers, the National Judicial Institute, and various national and international panels.

Adegboruwa particularly highlighted Uwais’ leadership of the Electoral Reform Committee in 2007–2008. The committee’s report is widely regarded as a groundbreaking framework for improving Nigeria’s democratic processes.

“The defining moment of My Lord’s legacy was the submission of the Electoral Reform Report. It contained fundamental recommendations for cleaning up our political space,” Adegboruwa emphasized.

He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to honour Justice Uwais’ memory by implementing the committee’s recommendations, which have remained largely dormant.

“The best way to honour this great jurist is to breathe life into the reforms he envisioned. The time to act is now,” Adegboruwa concluded.