Amnesty International demands probe into Senator Fadahunsi over alleged incitement

Amnesty International Nigeria has called for an immediate investigation into Senator Francis Fadahunsi, citing allegations of inflammatory remarks made ahead of the Osun State governorship election. The human rights organization stated on its X handle that the claims of incitement to violence necessitate prompt intervention by the relevant authorities.

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Political differences must never become a justification for violence.

Amnesty International urged a "prompt, impartial and thorough investigation" into the reported statements, seeking accountability if a criminal offense is established. The organization emphasized that "political differences must never become a justification for violence." It also encouraged public support for a petition demanding official action on the matter.

The controversy centers on a viral video in which Senator Fadahunsi, representing the Osun East Senatorial District, allegedly instructed his supporters to "kill" members of the Accord Party. However, the senator has refuted these claims, asserting that his words were figurative, meaning to politically defeat the party, and that the video was edited to misrepresent his intentions. He insists he did not advocate for physical violence.

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We are going to use him as an example because this is the first time. We had so many other terrible politicians say terrible things ahead of elections, but this one is exceptional.

Amnesty International's Country Director, Isa Sanusi, condemned the alleged remarks, highlighting them as an example of rhetoric that could incite electoral violence. Sanusi stated that the organization would use this case to underscore the importance of holding political figures accountable for their statements, noting that advocacy of hatred and incitement to violence are prohibited under both Nigerian and international law.

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an alleged instruction to “kill them wherever you find them” represented an unacceptable form of political rhetoric