By TAIYE AGBAJE

The Federal High Court (FHC), on Thursday, extended condolences to the family, friends, and associates of its former Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Abutu.

The Chief Registrar of FHC, Sulaiman Hassan, in a statement in Abuja, said the court announced ?With deep sorrow, the passing of Abutu.

?According to family sources, he died on Tuesday after a brief illness.

?He hails from Kogi, and was born on March 15, 1946.

?The Late Chief Judge served the court and the nation with distinction.

?He was known for his unwavering commitment to justice and administrative excellence.

?His leadership and contributions have left indelible marks on the judiciary and the legal community at large.

?The Federal High Court extends her heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, friends and all who were touched by his exemplary life and service.

?May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

In honour of his exemplary service and enduring legacy, all divisions of the federal high court are hereby directed to display a portrait of the late chief judge in a dignified and visible area within the respective court premises.?

Hassan said the court has ordered the immediate opening of condolence registers at all its divisions to allow judges, staff, members of the bar, and the general public to pay their tributes and express sympathies to the late Abutu.

He added that further details regarding funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.

NAN reports that Justice Abutu in one of his landmark judgments on Jan. 21, 2010, directed the Federal Executive Council to produce evidence that then President Umaru Yar?adua can continue to discharge his functions as president in the next 14 days or risk a definitive order of the court ordering the swearing-in of the vice.

Justice Abutu gave the ruling in the lawsuit filed by a member of the opposition, Farouk Aliyu, asking to declare the sickly ?president? incapacitated and therefore swear in his deputy, Goodluck Jonathan.

The suit was filed by civil rights attorney, Bamidele Aturu. (NAN)

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