NHRC Calls for Suspension, Arrest of Senator Fadahunsi Over Alleged Incitement

By Editor

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 comments contained in a viral video ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, said the alleged remarks attributed to the senator amounted to incitement to murder, electoral violence and voter intimidation.

‎According to the NHRC, the senator was allegedly heard directing his supporters to attack members of the Accord Party and prevent them from voting during the election.

Ojukwu said the seriousness of the allegation required immediate action by relevant authorities, warning that the state must act before any loss of life occurs.

‎“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,” he said.

‎The NHRC Executive Secretary called on the leadership of the National Assembly to suspend Senator Fadahunsi from all Senate duties pending a conclusive investigation.

He also urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest, investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute the senator in accordance with the law.

“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,” Ojukwu said.

‎The Commission further directed chairmen of all political parties to instruct their members to refrain from hateful, inciting, intimidating or violence-related statements before, during and after elections.

He warn candidates and party supporters who violate such directives should be publicly identified as breaching constitutional and electoral provisions governing peaceful elections and handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

‎The NHRC said the alleged comments attributed to Senator Fadahunsi must be subjected to urgent investigation and due process by the appropriate security agencies.

It called for the immediate suspension of the senator pending the outcome of the investigation and urged all political actors to prioritise peace and respect for citizens’ rights.

The Commission also appealed to residents of Osun State to remain calm and report threats or incidents of electoral violence to the NHRC and relevant authorities.

It disclosed that it had established a situation room to receive, document and respond to reports of human rights violations and other incidents during the election period.