Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello, has expressed shock over the demise of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, who died yesterday at a London hospital after brief illness. He was 79.

The Governor described the demise of the legal luminary as a great loss to the country in general, the state in particular as well as the legal profession.

Governor Sani-Bello eulogised the iconic legal giant describing his contributions to the development of the justice system in the country as immeasurable.

He described late Justice Kutigi as uniquely endowed Nigerian, a man of integrity who has indeed paid his dues in the service of his country in particular and humanity in general.

The Governor commiserated with the family, Nigerlites and Nigerians over the loss and prayed Allah to grant his soul eternal rest and make Aljannah Firdausi his final abode.

Born on December 31, 1939 in Kutigi, Lavun Local area of Niger State, Justice Kutigi served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Niger State before he was appointed High Court Judge.

Justice Legbo Kutigi, who joined the Supreme Court in 1992, was appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria on January 30, 2007 and served in that capacity until December 30, 2009.