By Mary Onyia
Amnesty International Nigeria has pledged to use Senator Francis Fadahunsi as an example in its campaign against political impunity and inflammatory rhetoric if Nigerian authorities do not hold politicians accountable for inciting violence.
The organisation’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, said this while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, following a viral video in which Fadahunsi was accused of urging his supporters to kill members of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election. Amnesty had earlier condemned the remarks as deliberate incitement to violence.
“We are going to use him as an example because this is the first time,” Sanusi reportedly said, stressing that Amnesty would no longer tolerate what it described as the impunity of politicians who make inflammatory statements during elections. He added that advocacy of hatred that incites violence is prohibited under Nigerian and international law.
The senator has, however, denied calling for any physical attacks, insisting that the viral video was edited to distort the meaning of his comment
Sanusi further said Amnesty would launch an international “name-and-shame” campaign against politicians promoting electoral violence. According to him, the organisation, which operates in about 150 countries, would identify such politicians and draw the attention of relevant governments to their conduct.
Amnesty’s position comes amid growing concern over political violence ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election. Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, has faced calls for investigation and accountability over the video, while authorities have been urged to ensure that inflammatory political rhetoric does not translate into violence during or after the election.
Similarly, former Chief of Defence Staff, LEO Iranor (retd), has called for decisive action, including arrest, against politicians and other prominent Nigerians who make inciting statements capable of triggering violence and disrupting the peace of the country.
Irabor, who also spoke on Channels Television Thursday, condemned Fadahunsi’s alleged statement, while commending the police for inviting him for questioning.