Renowned human rights activist and lawyer, Femi Falana, has called on the Federal Government to compensate the families of victims of recent stampedes across the country.
Over 65 people lost their lives in stampede incidents in Ibadan, Anambra, and Abuja during the distribution of palliatives, according to Grassroots Parrot.
Speaking on Friday at the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series, organized by the Ondo State Government to honor the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Falana attributed the tragedies to lapses in security arrangements.
Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), criticized the Nigerian police for failing to ensure the safety of people at the crowded gatherings.
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“It was a failure of security, not poverty, that caused all the loss of lives,” Falana said. “If there is any process or gathering, the police must provide security.”
He emphasized that the provision of security at such events is a fundamental responsibility of law enforcement agencies.
Falana further praised the late Governor Akeredolu for his visionary leadership in establishing the Ondo State Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, which has become a model for state policing in Nigeria.
“Akeredolu dared the Federal Government by creating Amotekun, which can be likened to a state police,” Falana stated. “Ondo State has become a reference point for peace and security in the country.”
He highlighted the recent meeting between the federal government and the 36 state governors, where the creation of state police was approved, as a significant tribute to Akeredolu’s legacy.
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“The greatest tribute that can be paid to Akeredolu since his passing is the Federal Government’s decision to approve state police,” Falana said. “Ondo State has exported the Amotekun phenomenon to the rest of Nigeria.”
Falana commended Ondo State’s Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for upholding the legacies of Akeredolu, particularly in the area of security and governance.
He called on other states to emulate Ondo’s proactive approach to security and urged the federal government to address the root causes of the recent tragedies, ensuring justice and compensation for the affected families.