Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has described the late Justice Umaru Kalgo as a distinguished son of the state whose life reflected exceptional service, integrity, dedication and deep knowledge of the law.
Idris conveyed his condolences to the Kalgo family in a statement on Tuesday, praying that Almighty Allah would grant the late jurist Al-Jannatul Firdaus and preserve the legacy he left behind.
Justice Kalgo, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, died at the age of 89 on Monday and was buried according to Islamic rites.
“Justice Kalgo’s legacy of professionalism, intellectual excellence, fairness and service will continue to inspire generations of lawyers, judges and public servants,” the governor said.
Idris said the late jurist made significant contributions to the development and administration of justice in Nigeria throughout his distinguished career.
Kalgo retired from the Supreme Court in 2007 after decades of service in Nigeria’s legal and judicial system.
He began his career as an Administrative Officer in Northern Nigeria before joining the legal service. He served as State Counsel between 1965 and 1972 and later as State Principal Counsel and Deputy Solicitor General.
In 1974, he was appointed a High Court Judge in Kano and North-Western State, later serving in Sokoto State. He became a substantive High Court Judge in 1975.
Kalgo was appointed Chief Judge of Sokoto State on Jan. 1, 1981, before his elevation to the Court of Appeal and subsequent appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
During his Supreme Court tenure from 1998 to 2007, he participated in several landmark cases and authored lead and concurring judgments covering areas including land ownership, commercial disputes and public law.
He was also a member of the Supreme Court panel that considered important constitutional questions relating to presidential election requirements and the legal status of the Federal Capital Territory.
Beyond the judiciary, Kalgo contributed to national institution-building through his membership of key bodies, including the Constitution Review Committee, Constituent Assembly and Law Revision Committee for the Laws of the Federation.
His contributions to Nigeria’s legal system, the governor said, would continue to serve as a reference point for generations of legal practitioners and public servants.
source: NAN
