‘Don’t Wait for Bloodshed’ — NHRC Demands Fadahunsi’s Arrest Over Alleged Inciting Remarks
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate suspension and arrest of Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over alleged inciting remarks contained in a viral video ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
The Commission alleged that Fadahunsi instructed his supporters to kill members of the Accord Party, describing the reported remarks as incitement to murder, electoral violence and voter intimidation.
In the video circulating online, the person identified as the senator was reportedly translated as saying: “From now on, whenever you see Accord members, kill them. I authorise you to kill them. They have wives and children too. This is a Federal Government election. On election day, even if they come with voter cards, we won’t allow them to vote.”
Reacting to the development, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, said such statements must not be tolerated, particularly from a public officer.
“This is not politics. This is a licence to kill. A public officer who tells citizens to murder other citizens because of party affiliation must not be allowed to remain in office for one more day,” Ojukwu said.
He called on the leadership of the National Assembly to immediately suspend Fadahunsi pending a conclusive investigation, while urging the police and Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest, investigate and prosecute him in accordance with the law.
“The Senate leadership is hereby called upon to suspend Senator Fadahunsi immediately pending conclusive investigation by the police.
“The Police and DSS must also arrest, investigate, and prosecute him now. We cannot wait until blood is spilled in Osun before we act. Prevention is the duty of the state and the leadership of the NASS is part of the state,” he said.
The NHRC also directed political party chairmen to warn their members against making hateful, inciting, intimidating or violent statements ahead of upcoming elections.
It said candidates and party supporters who violate such directives should be publicly called out for breaching constitutional and electoral frameworks for peaceful elections and handed over to law enforcement authorities for prosecution.
The Commission stressed that the allegations against Fadahunsi require urgent investigation by the relevant security agencies, while ensuring that due process is followed.
It further urged the people of Osun State to remain peaceful and report threats or incidents of electoral violence to the NHRC and relevant authorities.
The Commission disclosed that it has established a situation room to receive, document and monitor reports of human rights violations and other incidents during the election period.
