Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has described former President of the Court of Appeal Justice Mustapha Akanbi as a man whose greatest asset in life was his enviable integrity and incorruptibility.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement, quoted Buhari in his tribute as saying that Akanbi will long be remembered for his enormous contributions in bringing credibility and respectability to the country’s judiciary.

The President noted that the death of the pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is a colossal loss not only to the Nigerian judiciary, but the country as a whole.

According to the President”

“Being respected by the people for your honesty and patriotism is the best legacy a man can leave behind.

“In a country where corruption is perceived as fashionable, Akanbi stood out as a remarkable man who put personal integrity and selflessness before the desire for money outside his legitimate income.”

The President affirmed that the late justice’s greatest achievement was leaving the public service with his integrity intact and untainted, noting that, throughout his distinguished career in the judiciary and public service, he resisted the defeatist mindset that “if you can’t beat them, join them.”

“Great men like Akanbi didn’t believe in joining evil because it was popular or supported by the majority,” Buhari stated.

He extended heartfelt condolences to Akanbi’s family, the government and people of Kwara State and the entire Ilorin Emirate.

The President prayed that God forgive the soul of the deceased of any transgressions and reward his remarkable good deeds with Aljanna (paradise).