Sheikh Ibraheem ZakZaky

Femi Adi/ Kaduna

The Shiite sect members, on Thursday, vowed not to appear before any panel of investigation set up by the National Human Rights Commission to look into the Zaria clash between the Nigerian Army and the sect members.

In a statement signed by their spokesman, Ibrahim Musa and made to our correspondent this evening, the Shi’ite members alleged they will not appear before any NHRC Panel because it has been compromised.

The Shiite member, who said the tenure of the Commission’s governing council had expired as at the time of setting up of the Panel, claimed that under the Rules of the Commission, the Executive Secretary of the Commission lacks the constitutional powers to decide on petitions, cases and complaints of violations of human rights received from individuals or groups.

Earlier in a statement, the sect members agreed to appear before any panel set up by the National Human Rights Commission, but today took a U-turn , when they came out to say they were no longer comfortable with the methodology adopted by the Commission in relation to the matter on ground.

The sect members, according to the statement, said a letter to that effect has already been sent to the chairman, Panel of Investigation National Human Rights Commission.