By Ikrchukwu Samuel
Amnesty International Nigeria has vowed to pursue accountability over comments attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
Country Director Isa Sanusi said the organisation would use the case to demonstrate that political figures must be held responsible for remarks capable of inciting violence.
“We are going to use him as an example. We have had so many terrible politicians say terrible things ahead of the election. But this one is exceptional, a situation where somebody came out on record, saying that ‘kill them wherever you find them’,” Sanusi said.
The Osun State Police Command summoned Fadahunsi on Tuesday, questioning him for two hours over the remarks.
Sanusi stressed that Amnesty International would continue to advocate accountability for statements or actions that threaten peaceful political participation, adding that the organisation would also draw international attention to the matter.
“We are going to use this man as an example to show that the impunity by Nigerian politicians cannot continue and we cannot tolerate it again,” he said.
He argued that advocacy of hatred and incitement to violence should be treated seriously under both Nigerian law and international human rights standards.
“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,” Sanusi said.
Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the remarks, describing them as reckless and warning they could heighten tension ahead of the Osun governorship election. “Senator Fadahunsi must be held accountable,” for his comments the organisation said.
