Okoye said the commission is committed to carrying out its mandate in upholding a transparent and accountable electoral system.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has criticized the role of the police in recent tragic stampedes, attributing the incidents to negligence and poor crowd management by law enforcement authorities. Speaking in response to multiple reports of fatalities during public events, Falana emphasized the need for accountability and systemic reforms to prevent similar occurrences in the future. He accused the police of failing to implement proper crowd control measures, which could have saved lives.
Falana also highlighted the government’s responsibility in ensuring the safety of citizens during large gatherings. He stated that public officials must adhere to international best practices for crowd management, particularly in high-risk situations. “The preventable loss of lives during these events reflects a lack of adequate planning and execution,” he said, urging relevant agencies to prioritize the welfare of citizens.
In addition to holding law enforcement accountable, Falana called on the Federal Government to compensate the families of the victims. He described such compensation as a moral and legal obligation, emphasizing that the victims’ families deserve justice and support. “Compensation will not bring back lost lives, but it will provide some relief to grieving families and demonstrate that the government takes responsibility for its failings,” Falana added.
The lawyer further recommended urgent reforms to policing practices, particularly concerning event security and emergency response. He suggested that officers undergo specialized training in crowd control and conflict resolution. Falana also advocated for collaboration with event organizers to establish clear safety protocols, ensuring that all stakeholders work together to prevent chaos.
Falana concluded by calling for a public inquiry into the causes of recent stampedes. Such an investigation, he argued, would not only ensure accountability but also serve as a basis for implementing corrective measures. He reiterated the need for a proactive approach to safeguarding public safety, stating that the lives of Nigerian citizens must remain a top priority for both the police and the government.
