News
Stampedes: Police, not poverty, caused loss of lives – Falana knocks security agents
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 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 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 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.
“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.
“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.
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.
“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.
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.
President Bola Tinubu has assented to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, which provides for an aggregate expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion.
He also signed the bill extending the implementation period for the 2025 budget from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
This was announced on Friday in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The ₦68.32 trillion budget for this year earmarks ₦4.799 trillion for statutory transfers and ₦15.8 trillion for debt service.
It allocates ₦15.4 trillion to recurrent expenditure and ₦32.2 trillion to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure.
“With capital expenditure accounting for about 50 per cent, the 2026 budget underscores the administration’s continued commitment to economic stability, national security, infrastructure development, and inclusive growth.
The allocations reflect a strategic balance between statutory obligations, debt servicing, recurrent expenditure, and capital investments critical to driving productivity and improving the quality of life for Nigerians,” the statement read in part.
The President also has assented to the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which extends the implementation period of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
The extension, the statement revealed, would ensure the full and effective utilisation of appropriated funds, particularly for critical infrastructure and development projects that are at advanced stages of implementation across the country.
It will enable ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to consolidate ongoing works, enhance project completion rates, and maximise value for public expenditure. With the 2026 Appropriation Act coming into force on April 1, the Federal Government will commence full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” it added.
Additionally, President Tinubu directed MDAs to ensure disciplined, transparent, and efficient utilisation of allocated resources, with a strong emphasis on value for money and timely project delivery.
He commended the National Assembly for its diligence, cooperation, and patriotism in expeditiously considering and passing the budget.
The President reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government in advancing national development objectives.
Tinubu also assured Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to deepen fiscal reforms, enhance revenue generation, and prioritise investments that will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen social protection mechanisms.
The budget is also expected to be partly financed through external borrowing, following the approval of a foreign loan plan exceeding $21 billion to bridge the fiscal gap.
₦9.85trn Increase
The 2026 budget represents an increase of ₦9.85 trillion over the initial proposal of ₦58.47 trillion that Tinubu submitted to the National Assembly, and ₦13.33 trillion higher than the 2025 budget.
The President had while presenting the 2025 budget proposal before federal lawmakers in December 2025, pegged the capital expenditure at ₦26.08 trillion and the crude oil benchmark at US$64.85 per barrel.
He disclosed that the expected total revenue was ₦34.33 trillion; ₦15.52 trillion for debt servicing.
The proposal was anchored on a crude oil production of 1.84 million barrels per day, and an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the US Dollar for the 2026 fiscal year.
Amid the growing concerns over insecurity across the country, Tinubu said his administration would “invest in security with clear accountability for outcomes—because security spending must deliver security results”.
“We will take decisive steps to strengthen agricultural markets. Food security is national security.
“The 2026 budget prioritises input financing and mechanisation; irrigation and climate‑resilient agriculture; storage and processing; and agro‑value chains,” he told the National Assembly members.
Nigeria’s budgets in recent years have come under fire with experts critcising the poor implementation and release of funds for the execution of important national projects.
But the Tinubu administration said that the 2026 national budget was well-planned to solidify the gains of its reform agenda.
“Our ‘Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity’ is critical. It is a commitment to double down on what is working, to solidify gains, and to ensure that the shared prosperity we speak of becomes a lived reality for more Nigerians, faster,” Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said in a statement.
Popular sports broadcast journalist with Classic FM 97.3, Temisan Okomi, has died.
A journalist with News Central, Olawale Adigun, confirmed his death in a statement shared on X on Friday.
He wrote on X, “The worst way to go into the weekend is hearing about Temisan Okomi’s passing. I’m so gutted and, at the same time, terrified. This man meant so much to me.”
Recall that news of his death has since stirred reactions on X, with colleagues and fans expressing shock and grief.
The late journalist had worked with Lagos Television, HiTV, and other prominent media organizations in Nigeria.
His last post on X was on April 14, 2026, when he wrote, “The Champions League is hard, man.”
Ibrahim Abdulkarim, a political associate of ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has claimed that the former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has agreed to deputize the Obi in the 2027 presidential race.
He spoke during an interview on Trust TV, said the Obidients and the Kwankwassiyya Movements are already aligning towards Obi/Kwankwaso ticket.
Asked if Obi and Kwankwaso had struck a deal, Abdulkarim said “yes, I can categorically tell you that they have agreed”.
We all know that. Both the Obidients and the Kwankwassiyya Movements are aware of the agreement”.
Recall that Kwankwaso recently decamped from the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
His move stirred suspicion that the two political gladiators may have agreed to run for the 2027 presidency on a single ticket.
Just in: Tinubu assents 2026 Appropriation Bill, 2025 Budget Extension
BREAKING: Popular sports analystt, Okomi is dead
BREAKING: JAMB set to release first batch of 2026 UTME results today
-
Economy16 hours agoNigerian stocks rally again as investors gain N1.66tn, market cap crosses N136tn
-
News16 hours agoI Am Ready For 2027 – President Tinubu Declares
-
News11 hours agoJust in: Ex-Senate president, Saraki, others to face death penalty charges
-
News16 hours agoSenator Abdulaziz Yari Accused of Using Billions to Secure Vice Presidential Ambition
-
Foreign16 hours agoTrump Says Iran Agrees To Hand Over Nuclear Dust Amid Strait of Hormuz Blockade
-
News16 hours agoADC Reacts To Suspension Of Atiku, Lawal From Party
-
News16 hours agoINEC adjusts Osun governorship election campaign period
-
Metro16 hours agoBauchi Govt Sacks Driver Over Road Crash That K!lled Two Journalists
You must be logged in to post a comment Login