. Calls for Posthumous Award in His Honor
By Dorcas Ajala
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), has mourned the demise of lawyer and frontline activist, Musa Baba Panya, describing it as a big loss to the original inhabitants in the Federal Capital Territory. Baba Panya who used his legal knowledge to fight through the courts for the rights of FCT indigenes passed on recently. CHRICED, which is implementing a two-year project on promoting the rights of the Original Inhabitants in the FCT, said the community has lost one of its most committed and consistent advocates. In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Zikirullahi M. Ibrahim, the group described the late Baba-Panya as a dogged fighter who defended the rights of the Abuja Original Inhabitants whose lands were taken by the Military decree in 1976.
He said: “He was ferocious and he advocated the rights of his people that were marginalized. 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.
“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 recalls a case Baba-Panya had with 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 condole 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”. Baba-Panya, lived a selfless life, he always puts humanity first, a lifestyle worthy of emulating, which will make our nation a better place,” the statement read.
