Kebbi State governor, Nasir Idris, has mourned the death of former Supreme Court Justice, Umaru Atu Kalgo, who died on Monday night at the age of 89.
Idris, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki, described the death as a loss to Kebbi State, the legal profession and Nigeria.
The governor extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, the people of Kalgo Local Government Area and members of the legal profession.
He said Kalgo made significant contributions to the administration of justice in Nigeria, serving at the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court before retiring in 2007.
Idris also highlighted the late jurist’s contribution to law reform, noting that he served on the committee responsible for preparing the 1990 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
He added that Kalgo later served as Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, where he contributed to the development of Nigeria’s legal system.
The governor described Kalgo as a distinguished indigene of Kebbi State whose career was marked by professionalism, integrity and dedication to public service.
Kalgo was a recipient of national honours, including the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), as well as the Kebbi State Merit Award.
Idris said the late jurist’s contributions to the legal profession and public service would remain part of his legacy.
“The death of Justice Umaru Atu Kalgo is a painful loss to Kebbi State and Nigeria.
“We take solace in the fact that he lived a long and distinguished life devoted to the service of humanity and the nation,” the governor said.