By Olaitan Ibrahim
Human rights activist and Lawyer, Mr Femi Falana SAN, has urged the Federal Government to compensate the families of those involved in the recent stampedes in parts of the country.
Falana stated this on Friday in Akure during a programme organised by the Ondo State Government tagged Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series to honour the late governor.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that topic of the of the lecture was; Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace Stability and Development; The Ondo State Example.
Falana blamed the Nigerian Police for the recent stampedes in Ibadan, Anambra and Abuja where over 65 persons died in the process of collecting palliatives.
According to him, the police failed to adequately protect people during the gatherings.
“It was failure of security, it’s not poverty that caused all the loss of lives.
“If there is any process, or gathering, they (Police) shall provide security,” the lawyer said.
Falana said that Ondo State has become a reference point for states in the country by ensuring peace in the state through the creation of Ondo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun by Akeredolu.
He said Akeredolu dared the Federal Government to create the state Amotekun which could be likened to state police.
Falana also said that the greatest tribute of the legacy of Akeredolu was the recent meeting by all the 36 State governors in Abuja with the the Federal Government for the creation of state police.
Falana commended Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for sustaining the legacies of late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of of Ondo State.