EndBadGovernance protest: We will not spare anybody found guilty – Kano Judicial Commission

The Kano Judicial Commission against the destruction and killings that followed the #BadGovernment protest in the state has said that they will not spare anyone found guilty of the unfortunate incidents that followed the demostrations.

The commission, which began sitting at the State High Court on Thursday, also called for the submission of both oral and written memoranda from the public, promising to be just and fair.

Speaking while briefing the media on its maiden sitting, the Chairman of the Commission, Retired Justice Lawan Wada Mohmoud, said the Commission of Inquiry will do its best to deliver on the task bestowed upon it 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 us 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 in preparing our reports, including far-reaching recommendations that will aid in forestalling the recurrence of such incidents in the future,” Justice Lawan said.

In the same vein, the Chairman called on the media to be objective and fair in reporting the Commission’s proceedings. Where there is ambiguity, he urged them to contact the leadership of the Commission for clarification before going to the press to avoid preempting the Judicial Commission’s proceedings.

He promised that the Commission would thoroughly investigate and identify individuals, groups, or institutions directly or indirectly responsible for the destruction and vandalization of public and private places.

“As for us, the commission members, we pledge to be fair in the conduct of the assignment. I am happy to inform you of the assurance given by the Executive Governor to support the Commission to ensure its success, including a pledge not to interfere in the Commission’s proceedings.”

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

According to the Chairman, the Terms of Reference are 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 in Kano; identify individuals, groups, and institutions directly or indirectly responsible for the unrest and their roles in precipitating it; ascertain the extent of damage to properties, loss of lives and valuables; and make appropriate recommendations.

Justice Lawan Wada added that the commission is to recommend ways to avoid a recurrence of such events in the future, make any other recommendations incidental to the Commission’s assignment and its Terms of Reference; and carry out its functions accordingly.

He noted that the commission is to be guided by the provisions of Section 8 of the Kano State Commission of Inquiry Act Law Cap 26, Laws of Kano State of Nigeria 2018, and is to submit its report and findings to the Governor of Kano State within one month from the date of its inauguration.

However, he explained that they might seek more time due to the enormity of the assignment.