Falana Says Gov Idris Wada Should Bear Responsibility for the killing of Iyayi
Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN has called for the prosecution of the driver of the Governor of Kogi State for the death of Professor Festus Iyayi, former President of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU. Falana also said the governor of Kogi State, Idris Wada, should also be made to pay compensation for the family of Iyayi and ASUU for the death of the late Professor.
In a statement made available to NigerianEcho in Lagos on Wednesday, Falana said the Governor whose convoy was involved in an accident on December 27, 2012, killing his Aide-de-Camp, Idris Mohammed should bear responsibility for the death of Iyayi. Falana said his convoy is known for reckless driving and disregard for traffic rule.
Narrating an earlier incident which is similar to the one that happened yesterday in which Iyayi lost his life, Falana said the Governor is known for excessive speed.
“On December 27, 2012 the Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Idris Wada was involved in a ghastly auto crash at Ayingba, Kogi State. Owing to excessive speed the Governor’s car somersaulted severally and eventually crashed into the bush, injuring him, his driver and orderly while his Aide-de-Camp, (ADC), Idris Mohammed lost his life.
“Yesterday, a vehicle in the convoy of Governor Idris Wada killed Professor Festus Iyayi at Banda Village along the Lokoja-Abuja road. The deceased was on his way to Kano to attend the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the Academic Staff Union of Universities to review the 5-month old industrial action by lecturers in public universities in Nigeria.
“Governor Wada should bear responsibility for the tragic road accident that claimed the precious life of Professor Iyayi. The FRSC should henceforth monitor Governor Wada’s movements to prevent him from killing more people on our bad roads. The speed limit imposed on all drivers should apply to all citizens alike.
“In particular, drivers of governors who commit traffic offences must be brought to book. In this case, Governor Wada is vicariously liable for the criminal negligence of his driver who killed Festus. The Kogi State government should be made to pay huge compensation to ASUU and the family of Professor Iyayi. Governor Wada’s drivers who killed his ADC last year and Professor Iyayi yesterday should be arrested and prosecuted for manslaughter. Unlike their boss they are not immune from prosecution for criminal offences!”, the statement concluded.
