CHRICED), Mourns Death Of Abuja Lawyer, Frontline Activist, Panya
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), which is implementing a two-year project on promoting the rights of the Original Inhabitants in the FCT, has described the death of lawyer and frontline activist, Musa Baba Panya, as a big loss to the original inhabitants in the Federal Capital Territory.
A statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Zikirullahi Ibrahim, the group said the late Baba-Panya, who had used his legal knowledge to fight through the courts for the rights of FCT indigenes was a dogged fighter who defended the rights of the Abuja Original Inhabitants whose lands were taken by the Military decree in 1976.
CHRICED, said the community has lost one of its most committed and consistent advocates, describing him as a ferocious advocate who had severally spoken out about the rights of his people that were marginalized.
The statement noted that among his suit was a call to the Federal government to review the Nigerian Constitution such that, his people (the Original Inhabitants of the FCT) get elected and secure major appointments in the FCT.
The statement reads in part, “Baba-Panya will be remembered for his outstanding contributions to the rights and social welfare of the Original Inhabitants, the roles he played alongside other heroes who fought together for a better life for the FCT Original Inhabitants.
CHRICED recalled a case between Baba-Panya and the presidency- Baba-Panya vs. President, FRN (2018) 15 NWLR (pt. 1643)395; (2018) LPELR-44573(CA), in which the Appeal court declared Abuja to be one of the Federation’s States and directed that it to be treated as one of such, specifically ordering the Federal Government to appoint Abuja natives to the Federal Executive Council.
“CHRICED mourns and condoles with his family and other members of the FCT-Abuja Original Inhabitants as well as the Nigeria Bar Association in this difficult time, while praying to the Almighty God to grant them the fortitude to bear his huge loss”.
The statement further noted that Baba-Panya, lived a selfless life, had always put humanity first, with a lifestyle worthy of emulation, to make the nation a better place.