Human Rights Activist and Lawyer, Femi Falana has requested that Federal Government compensate families of those who died in the recent stampedes in the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that about 35 people, mostly children, lost their lives during a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo state capital on Wednesday, 18 December 2024.
22 people also died in the stampede that occurred in Anambra state during food distribution on Saturday, 21 December 2024, while at least ten (10) people including children died in a stampede that also occurred on the same day at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.
Falana made the request in Akure during a programme organised by Ondo State Government tagged ‘Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series’ to honour the late Governor on Friday.
The topic of the lecture was “Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace Stability and Development; The Ondo State Example.”
According to Falana; the Nigerian Police is the cause of the stampedes because it failed to adequately protect people during the gatherings.
He said, “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.”
Falana said that Ondo State has become a reference point for states in the country by ensuring peace in the state through creation of Ondo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun by Akeredolu.
The lawyer said Akeredolu dared Federal Government to create the state Amotekun which could be likened to a state police.
He added that the greatest tribute to the legacy of Akeredolu was the recent meeting by all 36 State Governors in Abuja with the Federal Government for the creation of state police.
Falana commended the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa for sustaining the legacies of late Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
He said, “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.”
As the programme proceeded, Governor Aiyedatiwa said that he remained the number one legacy of Akeredolu who made no mistake about who to succeed him.
Aiyedatiwa said that his predecessor must be celebrated for his selfless service and fight for the advancement of democracy and rule of law in the country.
He said the state government rather than celebrate one year in office which coincided with the death of Akeredolu, chose to accord premium to his remembrance.
The Governor said, “Akeredolu was that courageous leader who spoke truth to power and fought for the advancement of democracy and the Rule of Law in our country.”
“His leadership was not only marked by integrity, transparency and a deep understanding of the needs of our people, Akeredolu also implemented various initiatives geared towards transforming Ondo State.”
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa commended Falana for always speaking for the masses and acknowledged the legacies of Akeredolu.
Hon. Victor Olabimtan, a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Chairman of SUBEB also lauded Aiyedatiwa for continuing the legacies and projects initiated by the deceased.
