Amnesty International to make Nigerian senator an example over alleged incitement

Amnesty International has declared its intention to use Senator Francis Fadahunsi as a precedent in its global campaign against inflammatory political rhetoric and incitement to violence. The organization's Nigeria Country Director, Isa Sanusi, stated that Amnesty will seek accountability for alleged remarks made by the senator, which have been interpreted as a call for violence against members of the Accord Party. The senator, representing Osun East Senatorial District, faces criticism following the circulation of a video containing these remarks. The Osun State Police Command has already summoned and questioned Fadahunsi.

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We are going to use him as an example. We have had so many terrible politicians say terrible things ahead of the election.

Sanusi emphasized that Amnesty International views the advocacy of hatred and incitement to violence as grave violations demanding a strong response. "We are going to use him as an example," Sanusi said during a television interview. "We have had so many terrible politicians say terrible things ahead of the election." He added that the organization would publicize the case across its global network to discourage politicians from making statements that could provoke violence during elections. Amnesty International considers such advocacy a crime under international and Nigerian law, and stated that impunity for Nigerian politicians cannot continue.

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But this one is exceptional, a situation where somebody came out on record, saying that ‘kill them wherever you find them’.

The organization had previously condemned the alleged remarks, warning authorities of their responsibility to prevent hatred that amounts to incitement. In a statement on X, Amnesty International called for Fadahunsi to be held accountable, describing his alleged instruction to supporters to kill members of the Accord Party as a serious offense ahead of the state's governorship election. The group aims to demonstrate that politicians cannot make such statements without facing consequences.

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I believe that that person does not deserve any peace again, because advocacy of hatred is a crime under international law as well as Nigerian laws.