The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate suspension and arrest of Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over alleged incitement to violence ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, made the call in a statement issued in reaction to a viral video allegedly showing Fadahunsi urging supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to attack members of the Accord Party ahead of the election.
Ojukwu described the alleged remarks as incitement to murder, electoral violence and voter intimidation, saying they posed a serious threat to peaceful participation in the election.
The commission also directed chairmen of political parties to instruct their members to refrain from hateful, inflammatory and provocative statements capable of triggering violence during the electoral process.
“Any candidates or party faithful who violate these directives should be called out for violating the constitutional and electoral framework for peaceful elections and should be picked up by the law enforcement authorities for prosecution,” he said.
In the video circulating online, a man identified as Fadahunsi was heard speaking in Yoruba and allegedly calling on APC supporters to attack Accord members and prevent them from voting, including those who possess valid voter cards.
Reacting to the video, Ojukwu said such comments must not be treated as ordinary political rhetoric.
“This is not politics. This is a license 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.
“The Senate leadership is hereby called upon to suspend Sen. 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 boss said the gravity of the statements attributed to the senator warranted an urgent investigation by relevant security agencies in accordance with due process.
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He called on the authorities to immediately suspend Fadahunsi from his Senate duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
Ojukwu urged residents of Osun State to remain calm and peaceful before, during and after the election, while encouraging citizens to report threats and incidents of rights violations to the commission.
He disclosed that the NHRC had established a situation room to receive reports and document human rights violations and other incidents during the election period.
The commission further urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to respect the law and refrain from actions capable of undermining peaceful and credible elections in the state.
 has called for the immediate suspension and arrest of Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over alleged incitement to violence ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.){kind=link}