Gov. Nasir Idris has described the late Justice Umaru Kalgo as a distinguished son of Kebbi whose life was defined by exceptional service, integrity, dedication and profound knowledge of the law.
Idris in his condolence message to the Kalgo family on Tuesday, prayed that Almighty Allah would grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus and preserve the good legacy he left behind.
”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 noted that the late jurist made invaluable contributions to the development and administration of justice in Nigeria.
NAN reports that the late jurist retired in from the Supreme Court in 2007 after a meritorious career spanning several decades.
NAN reports that the late jurist began as an Administrative Officer in Northern Nigeria before transitioning to State Counsel (1965–1972) and State Principal Counsel / Deputy Solicitor General (1965–1974).
He served as a High Court Judge in Kano and North Western State (1974–1980), and later in Sokoto State. Confirmed as a substantive High Court Judge in 1975.
He was appointed Chief Judge of Sokoto State on Jan. 1, 1981.
He was elevated to the Court of Appeal and subsequently appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
NAN also reports that Justice Kalgo was part of the eminent Supreme Court panel that addressed critical constitutional thresholds regarding presidential election requirements and the legal interpretation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During his tenure on the Supreme Court bench (from 1998 until 2007), he penned diverse lead and concurring judgments, including those on land ownership, commercial disputes, such as the limitation of actions in Chigbu v. Tonimas, and public law limits.
The late jurist also left his legal footprint extended to national institution-building, having served on key bodies including the Constitution Review Committee, the Constituent Assembly, and the Law Revision Committee for the Laws of the Federation.
