President Goodluck Jonathan has described the death of retired Justice of Supreme Court, Justice Kayode Eso, as a great national loss.

Dr Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said in a statement in Abuja on Friday that the President received news of the death with sadness.

"Eso 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 of true justice, equity and fairness to all."

The president, on behalf of himself and the Federal Government, extended heartfelt condolences to the Eso family, their friends, associates and the government and people of Osun State.

He urged them to take solace in the fact that Eso would forever be remembered as a very bold, fearless and courageous judge who contributed enormously to establishing the independence of the judiciary.

"Members of the legal profession owe a debt of gratitude to the late Eso for his immense legacy of learned, erudite and seminal judgments, prodigious writings and major interventions in national debates.

"He urged members of the bar and bench to emulate the dedication, discipline, integrity and activism that Eso exemplified even up to old age."

The president also commended his patriotism which manifested in his constant readiness to take on national assignments whenever he was called upon to do so, the statement read.

The president prayed that God Almighty would grant the soul of the revered jurist eternal rest.

NAN