The Imole Campaign Council has demanded transparency from the Nigeria Police Force in its investigation into comments attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, which the council said amounted to a threat against members of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, and made available to journalists.
The council urged the police to provide the public with an update on the investigation following Fadahunsi’s invitation over the viral video.
The police had described the video as a matter of serious concern and invited the senator to explain the context of his remarks.
The council said the police invitation should not be used merely to calm public reaction but should lead to a proper investigation and, where necessary, prosecution.
“We consider human life to be too precious to be subjected to such daring threat by Senator Fadahunsi and as such, believe that every effort should be spared to guarantee its sanctity,” the statement said.
The council said the alleged threat had created fear among its members in Ijesaland and other parts of Osun State, particularly with the governorship election scheduled for August 15.
It urged the police to demonstrate that the matter was being treated with the seriousness it deserved, stressing that the public had a right to know the outcome of the investigation.
“The public is entitled to know that, although Senator Fadahunsi was reported to be invited by the Police, it doesn’t end up being a mere rhetoric to calm public anger but a genuine intervention to ensure that reckless utterances comes with consequences,” the council said.
Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, appeared at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo on Wednesday after being invited over the controversial remarks. Reports said he arrived at the headquarters at about 2pm.
The police had earlier said the invitation was intended to allow the senator to clarify his remarks, while assuring political actors and residents that the command remained committed to maintaining peace before, during and after the election.
The council, however, said it was not asking the police to prejudge the senator, but wanted the law to be applied equally to all citizens.
“Our demand is not for the Police to prejudge the Senator or presume guilt, but to demonstrate that the law applies to all equally, irrespective of standings in the society,” the statement added.
It further called on the police to charge Fadahunsi to court if, after reviewing the video and conducting its investigation, the senator’s intention to harm Accord members was established.
The campaign council also appealed to Accord Party leaders and supporters in Ijesaland not to respond to the alleged threat with violence.
“TICC reiterates call to Accord leaders and members in Ijesaland not to be provoked into violence by the threat issued by Senator Fadahunsi and continue their mobilisation for Governor Adeleke re-election peacefully,” it said.
Fadahunsi has reportedly explained that his controversial statement was metaphorical and was intended to urge supporters to defeat the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful and peaceful means.
The Imole Campaign Council maintained that political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into threats to the lives of citizens or supporters of rival political parties.
