Connect with us

News

Stampedes: Police, Not Poverty, Caused Loss Of Lives – Falana Knocks Security Agents

Published

on

Human rights activist and Lawyer, Mr Femi Falana SAN, has blamed the Nigerian Police for 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 reports that the topic of the lecture was; Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace Stability and Development; The Ondo State Example.

Advertisement

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.

READ ALSO: Ibadan Stampede: Court Remands Principal, Hamzat, Ooni’s Ex-wife

According to him, the police failed to adequately protect people during the gatherings.

Advertisement

“It was the 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.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:10 Die In Stampede At Abuja Catholic Church

He said Akeredolu dared the Federal Government to create the state Amotekun which could be likened to a 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 Federal Government for the creation of state police.

Advertisement

Falana commended Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for sustaining the legacies of late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of of Ondo State.

“The greatest tribute that can be paid to Akeredolu since he passed on, has come from unexpected quarters.

“The President and governors recently met and approved the creation of state police in Nigeria.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Stampede Kills 37 During Army Recruitment In Congo Capital

“That is the greatest tribute. Ondo State has exported the Amotekun phenomenal to Nigeria.”

Later, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State said that he remained the number one legacy of Akeredolu, who made no mistake about who to succeed him.

Advertisement

Aiyedatiwa said that his predecessor must be celebrated for his selfless service and fight for the advancement of democracy and rule of law in the country.

He said the state government rather than celebrate one year in office which coincided with the death of Akeredolu, chose to accord premium to his remembrance.

READ ALSO: 27-yr-old Man Allegedly Rapes Wife’s 14-yr-old Sister

Advertisement

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

“His leadership was not only marked by integrity, transparency and a deep understanding of the needs of our people, Akeredolu also implemented various initiatives geared towards transforming Ondo State,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, commended Falana for always speaking for the masses and acknowledged the legacies of Akeredolu.

Advertisement

Also, Hon. Victor Olabimtan, a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Chairman, SUBEB, lauded Aiyedatiwa for continuing the legacies and projects initiated by Akeredolu.

News

JUST IN: Tinubu Sacks CDS Musa, Names New Army Boss

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu has made changes in the hierarchy of the Service Chiefs in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture.

READ ALSO:BREAKING: Tinubu swears In New INEC Chairman, Amupitan

The President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff.

Advertisement

More to follow…

Continue Reading

News

Lagos Inaugurates 24-hour Traffic Management Operations

Published

on

The Lagos State Government has launched two transformative initiatives designed to recalibrate traffic governance and restore environmental sanctity across the metropolis.

In a visionary bid to guarantee seamless mobility and safe commuting at all hours, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has formally instituted a 24-hour operational framework for traffic management and enforcement across Lagos State.

The groundbreaking initiative, officially commissioned by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, constitutes a seminal moment in the evolution of Lagos’s transportation governance.

Advertisement

It manifests Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s strategic ambition to ensure the uninterrupted movement of people, goods and services within Nigeria’s economic epicentre—a city that operates continuously, unhindered by congestion or disorder.

According to Giwa, the 24-hour operational regime epitomises the administration’s steadfast dedication to constant vigilance, operational efficiency and disciplined traffic regulation, especially as the metropolis approaches the festive period, traditionally characterised by heightened vehicular and commercial activity.

READ ALSO:‘One-way’ Driver Kills Tricyclist, Flees Scene – LASTMA

Advertisement

This information was contained in a statement yesterday by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq.

He elaborated that the framework is meticulously designed to facilitate continuous monitoring, rapid emergency response and immediate clearance of traffic obstructions irrespective of time, thereby mitigating congestion and enhancing the commuter experience.

This initiative exemplifies the Lagos State Government’s resolute commitment to safeguarding mobility, preserving lives and sustaining economic productivity through perpetual traffic oversight,” Giwa stated.

Advertisement

A pivotal component of the initiative is the establishment of the Night Rapid Response Gang, a specialised unit within LASTMA charged with swiftly addressing nocturnal traffic incidents, including vehicular breakdowns, collisions and other obstructions along critical arteries of the metropolis.

In tandem with these traffic management reforms, the Lagos State Government also executed a comprehensive clearance operation along Apapa Road, Costain and the Ijora Under Bridge, eliminating illegal structures, shanties and unregulated trading that had long obstructed free vehicular flow and compromised public safety.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: LASTMA Rescues Two Accident Victims In Lagos, Blames Brake Failure

Advertisement

The far-reaching enforcement exercise, spearheaded by Sola Giwa in coordination with LASTMA, the Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police (MOPOL), the Lagos State Task Force and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), culminated in the removal of unauthorised traders, makeshift structures and multiple environmental infractions.

During the operation, enforcement teams uncovered an illegal diesel dumping site and impounded substantial quantities of expired plantain chips and cheese balls, stored under unsanitary conditions—a testament to the government’s prioritisation of public health and environmental integrity.

The exercise followed persistent warnings and public sensitisation campaigns urging illegal occupants under bridges to vacate. Teams also identified blocked drainage channels choked with metallic debris, contributing to perennial flooding and environmental degradation.

Advertisement

Furthermore, several commercial buses and tricycles operating unlawfully along the newly constructed Costain Bridge and Apapa Road were impounded.

READ ALSO:EFCC Probes Travellers Over Undeclared $6m, £53,000 At Lagos Airport

Shanties adjacent to St. Catholic Church School, Apapa Road, were demolished, reinstating the area to its intended urban and educational purpose, while criminal hideouts beneath the Ijora Bridge were dismantled to enhance public security.

Advertisement

Giwa reaffirmed that the Sanwo-Olu administration will not compromise on public safety, environmental protection or the rule of law, stressing that Lagos must remain a city distinguished by structure, order and discipline.

General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, appealed to traders, transport operators and commuters to comply with government directives, utilise designated markets and parking facilities, and actively support the administration’s efforts to maintain a safe, efficient and orderly metropolis.

He emphasised that the integration of 24-hour traffic management with environmental enforcement represents the Lagos State Government’s holistic approach to sustainable urban mobility—one that blends innovative regulation, proactive enforcement and civic responsibility.

Advertisement

 

Continue Reading

News

Delta Assembly Suspends Poly Rector, Bursar Over Financial Misconduct

Published

on

Delta State House of Assembly has imposed a six-month suspension on the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Professor Emmanuel Achuenu, over alleged financial recklessness, misappropriation of funds, and gross administrative misconduct.

Also suspended for six months is the institution’s Bursar, who was found complicit in the financial irregularities uncovered during the Assembly’s investigation.

The resolution followed the consideration and adoption of a report by a parliamentary investigative committee set up by the House to probe the financial and administrative operations of the polytechnic.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Delta: Police Officer Arrested Over Shooting Incident

Presiding over the plenary, Speaker Hon. Dennis Guwor said the investigation revealed “multiple instances of unauthorized expenditures and administrative lapses” under Professor Achuenu’s leadership.

Lawmakers described his conduct as a “flagrant abuse of office” and a “violation of the statutes governing public tertiary institutions.”

Advertisement

According to the committee’s findings, the Rector allegedly disregarded the directives of the Governing Council and violated established financial procedures in managing the institution’s resources.

READ ALSO:Police Begin Enforcement Of Tinted Glass, Siren Regulations In Edo, Delta

In its resolution, the Assembly upheld the six-month suspension earlier imposed by the Governing Council, noting that the move was necessary to reinforce accountability and discipline within the institution.

Advertisement

The House also directed the Delta State Ministry of Higher Education to supervise the polytechnic’s affairs during the suspension period to ensure transparency, stability, and adherence to due process.

Lawmakers reaffirmed the Assembly’s zero tolerance for financial mismanagement in public institutions, emphasizing that the decision was aimed at restoring integrity and public confidence in the state’s tertiary education system.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending