— Says they’re incompetent to protect victims

—- Aiyedatiwa promises to sustain Akeredolu’s legacies

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has blamed recent stampede tragedies in some states on the failure of the police to protect those who lost their lives.

Falana, said this during the maiden edition of the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series held in Akure ,the state capital.

The event was themed “Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability, and Development: The Ondo State Example.”

He said that “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 emphasized the need for holistic reforms to tackle insecurity, pointing out that poverty and unemployment are major drivers of crime.

The human right lawyer added that ” the Nigeria police is saddled with the rights under the constitution to protect the citizens of the country at all public gatherings.

“The blame should also go to the Nigeria Police Force because of their sheer incompetence to protect those who lost their lives in those stampedes.

“If there is any noise that disturbed the neighbours, the police would come. If a few people gathered on the street in a tumultuous manner, the police would come.

“Under Section 83, subsection 4 of the Police Establishment Act, 2020, if there is a rally, public meeting, or state rally, the police shall provide adequate security for the people.

“It was failure that led to the loss of lives in those stampedes. In traditional political meetings and protests, the law states that the police shall provide security so that hoodlums would not break into protests and cause mayhem.”

Falana called on the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu to ensure there is compensation for the families of the victims.

“It is the management of protest and public meetings in our country that is the problem in our country. I therefore suggest that because we operate a capitalist system, somebody must bear responsibility for any damage.

“The federal government must pay compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampedes because of the failure and negligence of the Nigeria Police Force.

Speaking on who Akeredolu was, Falana said that “Akeredolu was a very courageous man. Even before judges, he was not afraid to call out wrongdoings.

” He was instrumental to the development of the people, whether as a student leader or as a governor.

“His boldness in establishing the Amotekun Corps, even when it meant defying the Federal Government, is proof of his determination to protect his people.

Falana 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.

Speaking, the governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described the former governor, Akeredolu, as a man of courage who always spoke the “truth” to power.

Aiyedatiwa said that “Today, we gather on the threshold of history, with mixed feelings, in commemoration of the first anniversary of the glorious but painful exit of our leader and mentor, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.

“On that unforgettable day, 27th December 2023, mountains moved and the earth shook at the loss of the icon and courageous statesman who emptied himself in service to our dear Sunshine State and humanity.

“Arakunrin Akeredolu was that courageous leader who spoke truth to power and fought for the advancement of democracy and the Rule of Law.

“His leadership was marked by integrity, transparency, and a deep understanding of the needs of our people.

“He fought gallantly alongside his colleague governors in the Southwest to establish the Amotekun Corps, a home-grown security outfit that has become a reference point in Nigeria.”

He praised the late governor’s impacts on the state’s fortunes through landmark achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development.

“His administration’s achievements remain profound—roads, bridges, health centers, 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,” the Governor noted.

Aiyedatiwa reiterated his commitment to carrying forward Akeredolu’s vision of development and good governance.

“On my inauguration as constitutional successor, I made a solemn commitment to carry on his mantle of leadership.

“This is not just a promise; it is a sacred duty. We have since mobilized contractors back to sites to complete abandoned projects, commenced new road constructions, and implemented impactful policies such as the N73,000 new minimum wage for workers.

” We have also paid salaries and pensions up to date while providing financial assistance to our students.

In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion and Afenifere leader, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, praised Akeredolu for his boldness in prioritizing the security and development of Ondo State.

Arogbofa commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for sustaining the Amotekun initiative and called for continued efforts to deepen Akeredolu’s vision.