Senator Francis Fadahunsi
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has called for the prosecution of Senator Francis Fadahunsi over an alleged call for the killing of Accord Party supporters ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
Effiong, in a statement, described the senator’s alleged remarks in a viral video as reckless and capable of worsening the already tense political atmosphere in the state.
According to the lawyer, Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, allegedly called for the killing of members of the Accord Party during Saturday’s governorship election.
Effiong condemned the alleged statement, particularly given the sensitivity surrounding the election and the potential consequences of inflammatory political rhetoric.
“The statement made by the Senator in the viral video is highly unfortunate, condemnable, reckless and irresponsible, especially at a time when the political atmosphere in the state is already tense,” he said.
He argued that the alleged remarks could heighten tensions, potentially trigger a breakdown of law and order and discourage voters from participating in the election.
Effiong also rejected Fadahunsi’s subsequent explanation that he was referring to defeating Accord Party members through votes, describing the defence as “pedestrian, childish and feeble.”
The lawyer further warned that the alleged statement could undermine the credibility of the electoral process by allegedly encouraging hostility between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord Party and other political parties.
He said the remarks could also intimidate voters and discourage them from exercising their constitutional right to vote for candidates of their choice.
Effiong noted that Fadahunsi had been invited for questioning by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Osun State Police Command and subsequently released.
He expressed concern over the decision to release the senator, arguing that it raised questions about the police command’s willingness to pursue the matter further.
“I am aware that the Criminal Investigation Department of the Osun State Police Command invited the Senator for questioning and subsequently released him. This shows that the Osun State Police Command has already taken sides and appears unwilling to take further action against the Senator,” he said.
The human rights lawyer consequently called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to take over the matter and ensure that Fadahunsi is prosecuted if investigations establish a criminal offence.
“It is on this note that I call on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to immediately arraign the Senator in a court of competent jurisdiction, in order to demonstrate to Nigerians that his commitment to securing the electoral process in Osun and ensuring a free and fair election is not empty,” Effiong said.
He said prosecuting the senator would also help demonstrate the neutrality of the police, particularly in light of the arrest of some Accord Party members who were reportedly taken to Abuja over allegations of violence.
Effiong warned that failure to prosecute Fadahunsi, where the law supports such action, could damage public confidence in the police and create the impression that politically influential individuals are not subject to the same laws as other citizens.
“Failure to prosecute Senator Fadahunsi in accordance with the law will be interpreted by well-meaning Nigerians as an official endorsement of anarchy and a dangerous signal that certain individuals are above the law,” he said.
He further cautioned that inaction could embolden political actors and their supporters to use threats, intimidation and violence during political contests.
“Such inaction will not only undermine public confidence in the impartiality and integrity of the Nigeria Police Force, but may also embolden political actors and their supporters to resort to threats, intimidation and violence as tools of political engagement,” Effiong said.
The lawyer’s call comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the Osun governorship election, with concerns over inflammatory statements, political violence and the need for security agencies to maintain neutrality throughout the electoral process.
