By John Dike, Osogbo
The Social-Economic and Civic Rights Advocacy (SECRA) has called on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately investigate alleged inflammatory remarks made by Senator Francis Fadahunsi ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, warning that political leaders must avoid statements capable of escalating tension.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Executive Director, Comrade Olowu Emmanuel Aiyedun, the organisation expressed concern over comments allegedly made by the senator representing Osun East Senatorial District during a political gathering in Ilesa.
SECRA described the timing of the remarks as particularly troubling, coming just four days before the August 15 governorship election amid heightened political activities and existing security concerns in parts of Ijesaland.
According to the rights group, a video circulating on social media captured Senator Fadahunsi making comments which included the statement: “Till the day of election, if we see them, it is killing,” a remark the organisation said could be interpreted as threatening by political supporters and members of the public.
The group also reproduced the Yoruba version of the statement, noting that the specific phrase had generated widespread concern because of its potential impact on the political atmosphere.
SECRA stressed that regardless of the intention behind the remarks, statements of such nature from a senior political figure have the capacity to heighten fear, tension and apprehension among voters and political actors.
“Political leaders must understand that political language has consequences. Four days to an election is not the time to raise the temperature of the political environment. It is the time to reassure citizens, protect political opponents and encourage peaceful participation,” the statement read.
The organisation noted that Senator Fadahunsi is not an ordinary political supporter but a serving senator whose public statements carry considerable influence among his supporters.
It argued that persons occupying such positions should exercise restraint because their comments could be interpreted by followers as encouragement or approval for violence.
SECRA further expressed concern over the prevailing security situation in and around the Ilesa axis, stressing that residents deserved an election where every eligible voter could freely access polling units without intimidation or fear.
The group, however, acknowledged Senator Fadahunsi’s subsequent clarification in which he reportedly explained that his reference to “killing Accord” was intended to mean defeating the Accord Party politically at the polls rather than advocating physical violence.
While welcoming the clarification, SECRA insisted that it should not preclude an impartial investigation.
“We acknowledge that clarification. However, a subsequent explanation should not prevent the relevant authorities from examining the complete recording, the surrounding circumstances, the audience reaction and the exact meaning and potential impact of the words used.
“SECRA is not asking for anyone to be convicted through the media. We are asking for investigation, accountability and prevention,” the organisation stated.
The group said an independent investigation would help determine whether any law had been violated while preventing possible misinterpretation or exploitation of the statement by political supporters.
SECRA also announced that it would closely monitor and document incidents of political violence within the Ilesa axis before, during and for three months after the governorship election.
According to the organisation, any incidents involving killings, serious assaults, intimidation or other violations of citizens’ rights would be independently documented, with available evidence gathered and pursued through lawful constitutional means where necessary.
The advocacy group clarified that its position should not be interpreted as alleging that Senator Fadahunsi would be responsible for any future violence, but rather as a warning that no incident of political violence should be ignored irrespective of those involved.
Among its demands, SECRA called on the Inspector-General of Police to urgently review the video and investigate the circumstances surrounding the senator’s remarks.
It also urged the Osun State Police Command to strengthen preventive security across Ilesa and other identified flashpoints while maintaining strict neutrality and ensuring equal protection for all political parties.
The organisation further appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reinforce peaceful electoral participation, while urging political parties, traditional rulers, community leaders and religious leaders to work towards calming tensions ahead of the election.
SECRA also called on Senator Fadahunsi and other political leaders to publicly instruct their supporters against violence, intimidation or preventing political opponents from exercising their constitutional right to vote.
Reiterating that the ballot box should determine the outcome of the election, the organisation maintained that supporters of every political party have equal rights to participate peacefully in the electoral process without fear of attack or intimidation.
It urged residents of Osun State to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding before, during and after the election while calling on security agencies to protect all voters and candidates without fear or favour.
