Human Rights Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has said that the Nigerian Police Force is to be blamed for the deaths of 115 Nigerians during the recent food stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja and Anambra States.
Falana stated this in Akure, Ondo state capital while delivering a public lecture organised by the Ondo State government in memorial of former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The title of the lecture, which is the first in the series is “Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability, and Development: The Ondo State Example.”
According to him, the unfortunate incidents happened because the police were negligent of their constitutional duties.
He said: “The deaths of 115 Nigerians in the recent incidents in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija are unacceptable. The police failed to protect the people, and I hold them responsible. The government must pay compensation to the families who lost their loved ones because of these failures.”
He called on the Nigerian government to combat social insecurity, evident in the night rate of poverty, unemployment, hunger and illiteracy in the country.
He emphasised that without social security in place, physical security, that is security of lives and property of the citizenry cannot the guaranteed.
Falana commended the virtues of the late Akeredolu for fighting for justice, to secure the lives and property of the people.
He noted that Akeredolu’s establishment of Amotekun has made Ondo State a reference point in security matters across Nigeria.
“Today, all 36 state governors have come together to approve state police, but it was Akeredolu who laid the groundwork by enacting the law that legitimized Amotekun. That singular action has made Ondo State the most peaceful state in Nigeria,” he said.
Falana highlighted the importance of preserving Akeredolu’s legacy, noting that the greatest tribute to Akeredolu is the sustainability of his legacy.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa while speaking extolled the virtues of his former boss, noting that his achievements in the areas of security, infrastructure, education, and health are numerous and enduring.
His words: “His administration’s achievements remain profound—roads, bridges, health centres, and education reforms that continue to inspire us. Akeredolu’s legacy of progress is evident everywhere, and his passion for the security of lives and property has made Ondo State one of the safest and most peaceful in Nigeria,”
Aiyedatiwa who was deputy governor of Akeredolu in his second term in office as governor noted that Akeredolu was a courageous leader who spoke truth to power and fought for the advancement of democracy and the Rule of Law.
He vowed that his administration would continue in Akeredolu’s vision of development and good governance.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the occasion, Afenifere Chieftain, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa praised Akeredolu for his boldness in prioritizing the security and development of Ondo State.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for sustaining the Amotekun initiative and called for continued efforts to deepen Akeredolu’s vision.
Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was governor of Ondo State from February 2017 till his demise at a German hospital on December 26, 2023, at the age of 67, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.