By Idris Shehu
Governor Bala Mohammed has expressed disgust that the peaceful protest against the operations of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) escalated and metamorphosed into violence across the country.
It is in view of the ugly scenario and the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to state governments to set up committees in the respective domains to unearth matters of human rights abuse that Bauchi is inaugurating a committee on human rights abuse towards finding a solution to the problem.
Inaugurating the 17-member Judicial committee of inquiry on human right abuses in Bauchi Wednesday, the governor gave terms of reference of the body to include determining those responsible for the abuses, as well as receiving written and oral evidences on the matter at stake.
Others included investigating all cases of human right abuses by the erstwhile FSARS, advice government on how to introduce reforms into the police force, summon witnesses on the abuses, and recommend measures to forestall future occurrence.
The committee which was given six months to accomplish its assignment during which period to submit monthly report before the final one, is also at the liberty to co-opt any person it feels desirable in the discharge of the assigned responsibility.
In his response, the chairman of the judicial committee, Justice Habibu Idris Shall registered members’ profound appreciation and confidence the government had in appointing them to serve the state in this capacity.
Shall, who was a retired High Court Judge, assured the state government and the general public that the committee will unearth the truth in the matter, and called for the cooperation and assistance of the people in the discharge of their assignment.
Justice Habibu Shall also appealed for prayers to enable them diligently and creditably discharge, and to the best of their ability.
Other members of the panel included CP. Hamisu Makama (Rtd), Bauchi NBA Chairman Abubakar Abdulhameed Bununu, Barr. Jibrin S. Jibrin of Civil Society Groups, as well as representatives of Human Right Commission in Bauchi, FIDA Bauchi State Office, and Bauchi NUJ Chairman, Comred Umar Sa’idu.
Others are representatives of Jama’atul Nasirul Islam (JNI), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), National Council of Women Society (NCWS), and National Youth Council of Nigeria, and NACCIMA in Bauchi, as well as representatives of Miyetti Allah Kautel Hore, and Miyetti Allah MACBAN in the state.
Also in the committee membership are representative of NURTW in Bauchi State, Comrade Mohammed Nasiru Umar ATBU representing NUBASS, and representative of Attorney-General/Commissioner of Justice who will serve as Secretary of the committee.
