Human rights activist and lawyer, Femi Falana SAN, has urged the Federal Government to compensate the families of those who lost their lives in the recent stampedes across various parts of the country.
Falana made the call on Friday in Akure during the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series, an event organized by the Ondo State Government to honour the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
The lecture, titled “Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability, and Development: The Ondo State Example,” focused on security issues within the country. During his speech, Falana criticized the Nigerian Police for their failure to provide adequate security during the stampedes in Ibadan, Anambra, and Abuja, where over 65 people tragically lost their lives while trying to collect palliative items.
Falana pointed out that it was not poverty but rather the failure of security that led to the loss of lives. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of the police to ensure safety at public gatherings and that their failure to do so contributed to the tragic incidents.
The activist also commended Ondo State for becoming a model of peace and security, citing the creation of the Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun, by former Governor Akeredolu. Falana credited Akeredolu for daring the Federal Government to establish a state-level security network, akin to a state police. He noted that the recent meeting between all 36 state governors and the Federal Government to discuss the creation of state police was a significant tribute to Akeredolu’s legacy.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, who also spoke at the event, praised the late Akeredolu for his selfless leadership and fight for democracy and the rule of law. Aiyedatiwa stated that rather than celebrating his one-year anniversary in office, which coincided with the death of Akeredolu, the state chose to honor his memory. He highlighted Akeredolu’s courage in speaking truth to power and his commitment to advancing democracy in Nigeria. The governor also praised his predecessor for implementing initiatives that significantly transformed Ondo State.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, commended Falana for his consistent advocacy for the masses and recognized the lasting legacies of Akeredolu. Additionally, Victor Olabimtan, a former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and Chairman of SUBEB, lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for continuing the projects and legacies initiated by Akeredolu.
“It was failure of security, it’s not poverty that caused all the loss of lives.
“If there is any process, or gathering, they (Police) shall provide security,” the lawyer said.
He continued, “The greatest tribute that can be paid to Akeredolu since he passed on, has come from unexpected quarters.
“The President and governors recently met and approved the creation of state police in Nigeria.
“That is the greatest tribute. Ondo State has exported the Amotekun phenomenal to Nigeria.”
