From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
The Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF), on Tuesday raised petition against the state Attoney-General over delay in the prosecution of the Majority Leader of House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, who was accused of murder during the presidential and National Assembly elections in his constituency, Doguwa /Rudin Wada Federal Constituency.
The AUTHORITY reports that police in Kano had arrested and arraigned Doguwa over the case, but the lawmaker was later granted bail by a Kano High Court.
However, the Convener of KCSF, Ambassador Ibrahim A. Waiya, has expressed worry over delay in the prosecution of the lawmaker and others involved in the alleged murder, which came as a result of electoral violence.
Waiya said that over 117 people have already signed the petition entitled, “Petition Against Attorney General Of Kano State over delay to prosecute Ado Alhasan Doguwa,” adding that more signatories are being expected.
According to him, “our target is 200 signatories. The petition is more likely to be featured in recommendations
“Under a sane clime, the House Leader ought to have been arraigned before a competent court of law by now to face the music. We are deliberately giving prominence to these two LGAs because they happened to be the alleged theatre of killings and burning of innocent people, as reported.
“Every right-thinking Nigerian, local and international organizations to join us in the crusade to fight for Justice for the family of the victims.
” Steps would ensure rule of law, social justice, public safety as well as respect for humanity and the sanctity of human lives.”
He further stated that: “The Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) is the key umbrella body of over 140 different civil society and community-based organizations operating in Kano State, associating under a common platform with the aim of achieving human rights promotion and protection, promotion of democracy, good governance, policy change, health, peace, justice, security and sustainable development in the State and Nigeria at large.
“It has come to our notice that there were reported political violence at Doguwa and Tudun Wada Local Governments Areas as well as other areas in the state during the Presidential/National Assembly elections in the state. We are deliberately giving prominence to these two LGAs because they happened to be the alleged theatre of killings and burning of innocent people, as reported.
“Hon. Ado Alhassan Doguwa, serving member of the National Assembly, representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency was accused and arrested on the allegation of leading thugs and unleashing attacks on some innocent people which led to the death of scores and left many seriously injured.
“As concerned citizens groups and those that believe in the sanctity of human lives, we are worried by the slow and unprecedented delay to frame charges and arraign the suspects particularly Hon. Ado Alhassan Doguwa who was accused of playing the leading role in the destruction of lives and properties, ought to have been arraigned before a competent court of law by now to face the music.
“We therefore call on every right-thinking Nigerian, local and international organizations to join us in the crusade to fight for Justice for the family of the victims, to ensure rule of law, social justice, public safety as well as respect for humanity and sanctity for human lives.”
