Imole Campaign Council has demanded the arrest and prosecution of Senator Francis Fadahunsi over an alleged threat to kill members and supporters of the Accord Party in Ijeshaland, Osun State.
The TICC made the demand in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Chairman, Media and Publicity, Bamidele Salam.
The council said the call followed a trending video showing Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, allegedly inciting members of the All Progressives Congress against members of the Accord Party.
The council said it was gravely alarmed and disturbed by the video, alleging that the Senator was heard calling on APC members to attack Accord supporters wherever they were found in Ijeshaland.
TICC alleged that “the video corroborated information it had received in recent weeks concerning the alleged movement of thugs, hoodlums and persons impersonating police officers into Ilase, the senator’s hometown, and other communities across Obokun, Oriade, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Atakumosa East and Atakumosa West Local Government Areas.”
The council described the alleged comments as open incitement to kill, condemning what it said was a threat to the lives of Accord Party members and their family.
It also alleged that “Fadahunsi had referred to federal might while threatening that Accord supporters would be prevented from voting, even if they presented their Permanent Voter Cards at polling units during Saturday’s governorship election.”
TICC said the alleged comments were particularly concerning because Fadahunsi was a serving member of the National Assembly who had sworn to uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We feel compelled to demand that the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services order the arrest of Senator Fadahunsi and prosecute him in accordance with relevant laws of the Federation,” the council said.
The campaign council also urged security agencies deployed for Saturday’s election to pay particular attention to the six local government areas in Ijeshaland to protect voters, political supporters and other residents.
It called on security agencies to investigate and remove armed thugs and fake policemen allegedly quartered in Ilase and other parts of Ijeshaland, while also raising allegations concerning the activities of the Intelligence Response Team.
TICC alleged that an aide of Fadahunsi, identified as ASP Wemimo, had led IRT personnel to the homes of Accord leaders in Ijeshaland in recent weeks.
It also claimed that its House of Representatives candidate, Alaba Popoola, who it alleged was abducted by the team on Fadahunsi’s instructions, remained in police custody.
The council said it would hold Fadahunsi accountable for any violence against Accord members in Ijeshaland and other parts of Osun State, urging residents to remain peaceful and exercise their right to vote in Saturday’s governorship election.
