Police must be held responsible for stampedes – Falana

A renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana SAN, has stated that the Nigerian police must be held responsible for the stampedes recently recorded across the country, stressing that the police failed to protect the people.

Falana, who demanded that the families of the victims of the stampedes must be duly compensated, emphasised that poverty and unemployment are major drivers of crime in the country.

The legal luminary stated this while delivering a lecture titled “Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability, and Development: The Ondo State Example during the maiden edition of the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure, the state capital, in honour of the late former governor of the state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Falana, who lamented the prevailing insecurity in the country, extolled the late Akeredolu’s courage and commitment to justice, noting that the former governor’s establishment of Amotekun has made the state a reference point in security matters across Nigeria.

He said: “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,” he remarked.

“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 legitimised Amotekun. That singular action has made Ondo State the most peaceful state in Nigeria,” 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.”

Falana highlighted the importance of preserving Akeredolu’s legacy, stressing that “The greatest tribute to Akeredolu is the sustainability of his legacy. He showed us what leadership looks like, and it is now up to us to carry it forward.”

While praising his predecessor’s impacts on the state’s fortunes through landmark achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and economic development, Aiyedatiwa reiterated his commitment to carrying forward Akeredolu’s vision of development and good governance.

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“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 homegrown security outfit that has become a reference point in Nigeria.”

“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,” the Governor noted.

“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 mobilised 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,” he said.

On his part, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, Afenifere leader and chairman of the occasion, praised Akeredolu for his boldness in prioritising the security and development of Ondo State.

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