By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi
Lawyers in Bauchi State have reminded Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed about the abandoned report of the committee on EndSARS Panel in the state which he officially set up in January 2020, that has completed its assignment but remained in waiting for over six months to submit to the state government.
The lawyers in an open letter written to the governor on the abandonment of the report of the EndSARS Panel in Bauchi State, explained that the delay in submitting the panel report clearly exhibits total disregard for human rights and its future implications on the security and youth restiveness in the state.
It would be recalled that the Justice Habibu Idris Shall Panel on the SARS Brutality (and other units of the Nigerian Police) was inaugurated by Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed in January 2020 to receive public complaints on the brutality of citizens with a view to determine such complaints and find amicable solutions to them.
The open letter written by Safiyanu Gambo Idrees Esq. said that since the conclusion of the assignment of the Justice Habibu Idris Shall Panel on EndSARS Brutality (And other units of the Nigerian Police) over six months ago, the story has remained that the Executive Governor of Bauchi State is not available to receive the Panel’s Report.
He said, “I can vividly recall and attest to the fact that the panel had worked vigorously, day and night, as our Chambers presented some petitions before the panel with the hope that it will conclude its assignment within the six (6) months stipulated in its terms of reference”.
Idrees further recalled that when the End SARS panel was inaugurated in October, 2020, many peace loving people in Nigeria and Bauchi State in particular thought an opportunity for them to get a long awaited justice and redress for years of police brutality has finally come to roost.
“The panel was well assembled in Bauchi state consisting of very sound and well-articulated men of immeasurable wealth of experience comprising of retired Justice as Chairman, retired Commissioner of Police, Chief Magistrate, Senior Counsels from Ministry of Justice, Senior Members of the Bar, Senior Civil Servants retired and serving”.
According to him, looking at the composition of the panel, one will expect and think of a serious venture, but that is not to be in the end after tedious months of serious engagement, deliberation, presentation of petitions, witnesses, evidences and so forth.
“Many will be force to ask, can a man who handle National Assignment of this magnitude and importance with kid gloves deserve even mentioning when we are talking of the Nigerian Presidency? Charity begins at home they say, we will love to have a president from among us to lead the entire nation, but what assurance can we give them, if our affairs is not well managed by our own”.
Mr. Idrees noted that the End SARS panel in Bauchi state has received many petitions while its recommendations to the Governor Bala Mohammed on the petitions entertained by it is now ready awaiting submission to the governor for onward transmission to the Federal Government.
He however explained that since the panel report is yet to be submitted to the state government, it will be foolhardy for Bauchi citizens to blame the Federal Government for deceiving them or Nigerians generally on the issue.
They told the governor, “The unfortunate thing on the issue for some of us today, is that we are part of the 50 Lawyers of “CONSCIENCE” who supported your emergence as the Governor of Bauchi State in 2019 against one of our own”.
“Therefore, note, it was that same conscience that is asking us to put you to task today as well. As some of the petitions entertained by the panel, include the ones filed by lawyers who are as well victims of police brutality, not to demean other helpless citizens who cherished the opportunity for quick, effective and responsive justice delivery”.
The Chamber therefore drew the attention of Governor Bala Mohammed, as it also reminded him of his solemn oath of office which, the lawyers argued, is valid until the 29th day of May, 2023, in which period it said, the Governor is not only expected as a Muslim, to only be accountable to man, but equally to the Creator of man.
