At Maiden Sitting, Kano #EndBadGovernance Panel, Promises To Expose Enablers Of Violence, Arson, Destruction

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry  instituted by the Kano State Government, to look into cases of breach of peace and destruction of properties during the #EndBadGovernance protest, has promised to be guided strictly by the ethos of justice and equity.

At a media briefing in Kano on Thursday, September 5, 2024, Chairman of the Commission, Justice Lawan Mohmoud, rtd, said the panel will thoroughly investigate and find out individuals, group of persons or institutions directly or indirectly responsible for the gross misconducts, including their respective roles during the nationwide protest.

The Source reports that the 10-day long protest was hugely characterized by wanton looting, destruction, and arson, particularly, on days one and two in the Commercial hub of  Northern region.

Following the large scale violence ,and killings the authorities, last week, inaugurated a 14-man panel of inquiry to unravel the circumstances that precipitated the ugly situation.

Besides, Justice Mohmoud also said the Commission will want to  establish the parts played by some persons in the build-up to the violent dimensions of the otherwise planned peaceful protest.

The Chairman noted that the Commission will be highly receptive of public contributions through the submission of both written and oral memoranda.

“While the Commission of Inquiry will do its best to deliver the task bestowed upon its shoulders by the Government, I hasten to indicate that we will leave our doors open to the general public for submission of both oral and written memoranda that will guide in the discharge of our assignment.

“We, therefore, appeal to the general public to be bold enough and support the Commission with relevant evidence and facts that will assist towards preparing our reports, including far-reaching recommendations that will forestall the re-occurrence of such incidents in the future.

“I am calling on the Media to be objective and fair in reporting the Commission’s proceedings, and where there is ambiguity, please  do not hesitate to contact the leadership of the Commission for clarification before before going to the press to avoid preempting the Judicial Commission’s proceedings”, the Chairman stated.

Justice Mohmoud pledged the Commission’s commitment to be fair in the conduct of its assignment, and  noted that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has assured not to interfere with the work of the panel.

“This, I believe, is quite inspiring and signals full autonomy of the Commission, which would, no doubt, translate to excellent and objective outcome of the assignment.

“Let me conclude by stating that the Terms of Reference given to the Judicial Commission will be its guiding light which include to establish the remote and immediate causes of the first week of August 2024  breach of peace, wanton destruction of public and private properties, looting, arson and killings.

“Identify individuals, groups of persons and/or institutions directly or indirectly responsible for the unrest, and their roles and participation in the unrest and make appropriate recommendation”,  Justice Mohmoud noted.