President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor T.A Orji of Abia State, former Vice president Atiku Abubakar and former Governor Segun Oni have all expressed shock over the death of Justice Kayode Eso who died in a London Hospital, describing his death as a national loss.
President Jonathan who received news of the death of the retired Justice Eso with sadness said while he was an eminent jurist, courageous judge and consistent advocate for an independent judiciary, his “long and exemplary life was dedicated to the service of law and order, and the dispensation true justice, equity and fairness to all.”
He urges families and friends to take solace in the incontestable fact that Justice Eso will forever be remembered as a very bold, fearless and courageous judge who contributed enormously to establishing the independence of the Nigerian judiciary, and the national effort to entrench the highest levels of professionalism, discipline and integrity in the country’s legal system.
President Jonathan believes that members of the legal profession in Nigeria will always owe a debt of gratitude to the late Justice Eso for his immense legacy of learned, erudite and seminal judgments, prodigious writings and major interventions in national debates on and outside the Bench which will always be remembered for their incisiveness, thoroughness, intellectual touch and impact.
He urges members of the bar and bench to emulate the dedication, discipline, integrity and activism that Justice Eso exemplified even up to old age as well as his commendable patriotism which manifested in his constant readiness to take on national assignments whenever he was called upon to do so.
Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has extolled the extraordinary virtues of integrity of the late retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Kayode Eso.
Atiku, in a statement by his media office in Abuja on Friday, said the late legal luminary was notable for his courage and integrity because of his role in saving the image of the judiciary from the nadir of moral eclipse.
As a judicial activist, he said the late Justice Kayode Eso was always on the side of justice, regardless of whose ox was gored.
The former Vice President also recalled that almost every administration in Nigeria had invited Eso to head one judicial inquiry or another because of the recognition that he was a rare man of probity.
In the words of Atiku, “honour counted above money in the eyes of the late Eso and even his enemies must privately find themselves admiring his unique uprightness.”
The Turaki Adamawa said one of the greatest desires of any man was to retire with his integrity intact and that the late Eso had achieved this ambition.
According to Atiku, the late Eso deserves a special place in the pantheon of Nigeria’s judicial heroes and that judges and lawyers should imbibe his virtues to make our judiciary more vibrant, unbiased and fearless.
Atiku prayed that God grant his soul eternal rest and also give his family and the whole nation the fortitude to the bear this immense loss.
Abia state governor, chief Theodore Orji described as shocking the sudden exit of justice Kayode Esho.
In a press statement by his chief press secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue, chief Orji stated that the country has lost an icon in the legal profession.
Chief Orji stated that justice Esho during his lifetime distinguished himself in his chosen profession such that he was admired and respected beyond the shores of the country.
According to the governor, the late erudite justice gave a good account of himself in carrying out all the assignments given to him by the federal government while alive.
Chief Orji who maintained that late justice Esho has become a reference point in the nation’s judiciary urged his family to take solace in the fact that he lived a life worthy of emulation.
He prayed God to grant the deceaced eternal rest.
Also, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice Chairman (South-West), Chief Segun Oni has described the deceased eminent jurist and former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Kayode Eso, as one of the most brilliant and consistent legal minds to come out of Africa, saying; “We have lost a man who was the law personified.”
Oni, who reacted to Justice Eso’s death through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lere Olayinka, said the jurist lived and died for the law and ensuring that it was justly applied.
“This a sad moment for Nigeria, especially its judiciary because obviously, the beautiful ones are indeed departing.
“Baba was a just judge, whose decisions were never in any doubt. He was one of the finest minds in Nigeria’s Jurisprudence and the continent of Africa.
“No doubt, his death is a colossal loss to his family, the legal profession, Nigeria and lovers of rule of law in the entire world.
“He will be fondly remembered by all as a man who did his best at every levels where he served in the judiciary and made his marks, which are indelible. He will be sorely missed,” Oni said.