By Rabiu Sanusi
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has challenged the newly constituted Judicial Commission of Inquiry (JCI) to unravel sponsors of destruction that greeted the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano.
Inaugurating the 14-men panel led by retired Justice Lawan Wada Mahmoud on Monday at the Government House, the Governor challenged the panel to investigate killings, looting and destruction of public and private properties to bring perpetrators to justice.
The governor regretted the economic sabotage incurred during the protest hijacked by hoodlums but urged the panel to discharge the trust without fear or favour.
The governor specifically urged the panel to investigate the missing documents at the high court complex especially some criminal files and looting exhibits by the criminal elements.
He directed the commission not to hesitate in their invitation to any individual found wanting to answer questions whether in Kano or anywhere in the country, regardless of status or position in Nigeria.
According to the governor, “The setting up of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry was in fulfilment of a pledge made during the inspection of the destroyed facilities. We want the panel to dig deeper into the remote and immediate causes of the senseless destructs as well as identify the masterminds for the law of the land to take its full course.”
Other terms of reference set for the Commission include “Establish remote and immediate causes of the first week of August 2024 breach of the peace, wanton destruction of public and private properties, looting, arson and killings in Kano State; identify individuals, group of persons and/or institutions directly or indirectly responsible for the unrest and their roles in precipitating the unrest and make appropriate recommendations.
The Commission is also required “To ascertain the extent of damage of properties, loss of lives and valuables, and recommend ways of avoiding a recurrence of such happenings in the future and make any other recommendations incidental to the commission’s assignment and its terms of references.
“It is gratifying to know that in carrying out its functions, the commission is to be guided by the provisions of section 8 of the Kano State Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap 36, Laws of the Kano State of Nigeria, 2018.”
Other members of the panel are Barrister Tajuddeen Funsho, Alhaji Sani Isa Asia, Prof. Musa Muhammad Borodo, Barrister Sagir Suleiman Gezawa, ACP Munir Madugu, Shehu Abdullahi and Hajiya Gambo Abdullahi.
Others include Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, Dr. Saidu Ahmad Dukawa, Rev. Murtala Mati Dangora, and Barrister MB. Danazumi, Barrister Haruna Musa Muhammad, and Barrister Salisu Marmara, who would serve as a Secretary of the Commission.
Chairman,, Justice Lawan Wada Mahmud retired, appreciated the Kano State government for finding them worthy to handle such an assignment despite having many capable personalities at hand.
On behalf of the members of the Commission, Justice Lawan Wada retired, promised to do assignments to the best of their ability without fear or favour, and they will justify the confidence in the State government.