…Condemns Gov Makinde’s Interference In Legal Process
Centre for Public Accountability (CPA), a prominent civil society organisation has demanded full public inquest from the governments of Oyo, Anambra, Bauchi, Nasarawa States, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration, and other relevant authorities into the tragic stampedes that have recently occurred in those states.
The incidents also resulted in the loss of innocent lives in Ibadan, Oyo State, Abuja, Bauchi State, Keffi, Nasarawa State, and Okija, Anambra State, leaving trails of devastation and grief.
Dr. Karim Adegboyega, the group’s director of publicity had in a press statement yesterday, called for an urgent and comprehensive public inquiry into the stampedes.
Adegboyega said, “The tragic events include the loss of 35 children’s lives at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, 10 fatalities during a church-organized charity event in Abuja, 22 deaths at a food distribution event in Anambra, four women killed in Bauchi while scrambling for ₦5,000, and the crushing of two students in Keffi, Nasarawa State, during a chaotic rush for free bags of rice.”
The group, lauded the swift actions of the Ondo State government in implementing effective crowd management directives that the State Attorney General issued to forestall such incidents, which according to it have been acknowledged and adopted by several other states.
It stressed the need for immediate and enforceable safety measures, including the involvement of trained humanitarian professionals and security agencies at such events.
CPA stressed the necessity for a thorough investigation into both the immediate and root causes of the stampedes, pointing out that a holistic approach is required to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future.
However, the group berated the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his recent remarks regarding the ongoing case against the ex-Queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Ogunwusi, and prominent radio presenter and founder of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat.
“Governor Seyi Makinde, through his comments, has subtly suggested to the public what we don’t know at this stage of the case. His remarks have indirectly answered unsettling questions about the handling of similar incidents in other regions, which never became subjects of prosecution except for Oyo State,” CPA stated.
“Without undermining the grief of the families of the children who tragically lost their lives, we condemn the politicisation of this tragedy and state that it’s irresponsible to use this incident to settle political scores.
“We understand that no amount of compensation can bring back the lives lost, but it’s crucial to honour their memory, ensure justice, and prevent future tragedies.
“The government must implement stringent crowd control measures across the country, as we recognise that such incidents will not deter future distribution of relief materials.” It added.
The group also questioned whether the charges of murder brought against Ex-Queen Naomi and Oriyomi Hamzat were premeditated, noting that the original intent of the organisers was to alleviate hunger before things spiraled into chaos and disaster.
It emphasised the importance of a meticulous investigation into the actions of the organisers and others involved. “Justice must prevail and avoid the travesty of placing the wrong individuals in the dock. These individuals, if anything, deserve bail. Governor Makinde shouldn’t position himself as an emperor who stifles the process and integrity of the law.”
“We’ll ensure that justice is served in this case, as the world watches the outcome of the investigation and awaits the legal advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This is not just a matter of regional concern but one of national importance, requiring unwavering commitment to fairness, transparency, and justice,” CPA concluded.
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