Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Vice Presidential Candidate for the 2019 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has mourned the passage, at the weekend, of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, and one-time Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFAC), Engr. Hamman Tukur.

“Nigeria has lost two great patriots who contributed immensely towards the development of the country. Their death is painful, particularly coming close to each other,” Obi, immediate past Governor of Anambra State, said on Monday in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Valentine Obienyem.

He described late Justice Kutigi, who died on Sunday in a London Hospital at the age of 78, as “a consummate jurist”, appealing to younger jurists “to emulate his courage, faithfulness to the cause of justice and abiding faith in our dear country.”

On Tukur, who died on Saturday in Kaduna at 76, Obi noted that he would be remembered for the indelible marks he left as RMAFC Chairman, especially the ingenious monetisation policy introduced under his watch.

He appealed to the families of the two departed statesmen to take solace in their rich legacies while praying to God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.