The Osun State Police Command has explained why it summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi over his alleged comment that Accord Party members seen in Ilesa before Saturday’s governorship election should be killed.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Samuel Etaifo, said Fadahunsi was invited to clarify the statement and help prevent heightened tension ahead of the poll.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, Etaifo condemned the remark and urged political leaders to exercise restraint during the electoral process.
He said, “At this critical period of the electoral process, political leaders and public office holders are expected to exercise restraint, promote peace, and refrain from making comments capable of heightening tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements put in place for the forthcoming election.”
Etaifo said the police would remain neutral and would not tolerate statements or actions capable of disrupting public peace or threatening the security of the state.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has invited Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that the invitation was not intended to intimidate the senator but was part of measures to prevent the situation from escalating and ensure a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.
He urged political parties, their supporters and other stakeholders to avoid inflammatory statements and resolve grievances through lawful means.
“The command remains committed to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the election and urges all stakeholders to place the peace and stability of Osun State above partisan interests,” the statement read partly.
Fadahunsi reportedly made the controversial remark in Yoruba in a video circulating on social media.
Speaking at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in Ilesa, the senator said, “How many people have you seen the APC kill? We are here to tell you that until the day of the election, If we see any Accord member in Ilesa, we will kill him.”
Reacting to the statement, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke called for Fadahunsi’s arrest, warning that the remark could trigger violence ahead of the election.
Adeleke said he had raised the matter with the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, who, according to the governor, confirmed the existence of the video and assured him that action would be taken.
(The Sun)