- Femi Falana held the Nigeria Police responsible for recent stampedes, citing their incompetence in ensuring safety during public gatherings
- He urged President Tinubu’s government to compensate victims’ families, emphasizing the need for accountability in light of police negligence
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has held the Nigeria Police responsible for recent stampedes that claimed about 70 lives in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking at a public lecture on Friday, Falana described the incidents as a result of “sheer incompetence” by the police.
The lecture, titled “Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability, and Development: The Ondo State Example,” marked the one-year remembrance of former Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Falana termed the stampedes during food and palliative distributions as a national tragedy. He emphasized that the police, under the constitution, are mandated to ensure safety at public gatherings.
“The blame should go to the Nigeria Police Force for failing to protect those who lost their lives in these tragic stampedes,” Falana stated.
He referenced Section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act, 2020, which requires the police to provide security during rallies, protests, and public meetings.
He criticized the force’s inability to fulfil this obligation, calling for systemic reforms to protect citizens’ dignity and lives.
Falana also urged President Bola Tinubu’s federal government to compensate the families of the victims, attributing the deaths to police negligence.
“The federal government must take responsibility and compensate the families. In our capitalist system, accountability is essential when lives are lost due to failure and negligence,” he said.
In his tribute, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa praised the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as a courageous leader who championed democracy and the rule of law.
“We honour Akeredolu’s selfless service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of our state. His legacy continues to inspire us,” Aiyedatiwa remarked.
The event served as a call to action to improve public safety and ensure accountability for large gatherings.
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