The Nigerian Police Force is responsible for the deaths of 115 Nigerians during the recent food stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra States, according to Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer and senior advocate for Nigeria.
In light of the high rate of poverty, unemployment, hunger, and illiteracy in the nation, he urged the Nigerian government to fight social insecurity.
Falana made this statement at a public lecture held in honour of former governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, which was arranged by the state government.
“Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability, and Development: The Ondo State Example” is the title of the first lecture in the series.
He claimed that the regrettable events occurred as a result of the police’s disregard for their constitutional obligations.
“It is unacceptable that 115 Nigerians have been killed in the recent incidents in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija,” he stated.
“I hold the police accountable for their failure to protect the public. Families who lost loved ones as a result of these mistakes must receive compensation from the government,” he added.
He called on the Nigerian government to combat social insecurity, evident in the high rate of poverty, unemployment, hunger, and illiteracy in the country.
He emphasized that without social security in place, physical security, that is, security of lives and property of the citizenry, cannot be 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 legitimised Amotekun. That singular action has made Ondo State the most peaceful state in Nigeria,” he said.
Falana emphasized the need of conserving Akeredolu’s legacy, pointing out that his legacy’s sustainability is the best homage to him.
Speaking, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa praised his former boss’s accomplishments, pointing out that they are numerous and long-lasting in the fields of infrastructure, education, health, and security.
“The accomplishments of his administration are still significant—roads, bridges, health facilities, and educational reforms that continue to motivate us,” he said. Akeredolu left behind a legacy of progress that is visible everywhere, and his dedication to protecting people and property has made Ondo State one of Nigeria’s safest and most tranquil states.
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 pledged that his administration would uphold Akeredolu’s principles of progress and responsible leadership.
The event’s chairman, Afenifere Chieftain Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, commended Akeredolu for his audacity in putting Ondo State’s security and progress first in his welcome speech.
He urged for more work to expand Akeredolu’s vision and praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for maintaining the Amotekun program.
After a protracted fight with prostate cancer, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu served as governor of Ondo State from February 2017 until his death at the age of 67 on December 26, 2023, in a German hospital.
