Senator Fadahunsi: Inibehe Effiong Calls for Prosecution Over Osun Election Remarks

• Senator Francis Fadahunsi made remarks interpreted as a threat to kill Accord Party members in Ilesa.
• Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong called for Fadahunsi's prosecution over the remarks.
• Effiong argued that Fadahunsi's comments heightened political tension and could lead to a breakdown of law and order in Osun State.
• The lawyer warned that failure to prosecute Fadahunsi could undermine public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

Effiong argued that prosecuting Fadahunsi would demonstrate the police's commitment to securing the electoral process in Osun State and ensuring a free and fair election.

Senator Francis Fadahunsi's remarks in a viral video sparked controversy ahead of the Osun State governorship election. In the video, Fadahunsi was heard making comments that were interpreted as a threat to kill members of the Accord Party in Ilesa. The senator later clarified that he meant to defeat the party with votes at the ballot box, not physically harm its members. However, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong dismissed this explanation as inadequate and called for Fadahunsi's prosecution. Effiong argued that the senator's remarks heightened political tension in Osun State and could lead to a breakdown of law and order, negatively affecting voter turnout in the election.

The Osun State Police Command had invited Fadahunsi for questioning over his remarks. However, he was subsequently released without further action being taken against him. Effiong criticized this decision, stating that it showed the police command had already taken sides and appeared unwilling to take further action against the senator. The lawyer argued that prosecuting Fadahunsi would demonstrate the police's commitment to securing the electoral process in Osun State and ensuring a free and fair election.

Effiong's call for Fadahunsi's prosecution is significant because it highlights the potential impact on voter turnout and electoral integrity in Osun State. The lawyer warned that failure to prosecute the senator could send a dangerous message to political actors and the public, undermining public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and emboldening politicians to resort to threats, intimidation, and violence during elections.

A lawyer or compliance officer should watch for the potential impact on voter turnout and electoral integrity in Osun State, as well as the implications for public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force if Senator Fadahunsi is not prosecuted.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Online