Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), has called for the arrest and prosecution of politicians and other individuals who make statements capable of inciting violence.
Irabor made the call on Thursday while speaking on Channels Television, amid heightened political tension ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
His comments followed a viral video involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, in which the lawmaker was allegedly heard telling supporters to kill members of the Accord Party.
Fadahunsi has since denied calling for physical violence, explaining that his use of the word “kill” referred to defeating political opponents with votes. The Osun State Police Command subsequently questioned him over the remarks.
Irabor said the police had taken the right step by inviting the senator but argued that the investigation should go further.
“For me as a person, any time we hear individuals making inciting comments, I think that such people should be picked up immediately,” he said.
Irabor described Fadahunsi’s alleged remarks as political statements that could also amount to incitement to violence.
“I think the police have done the right thing by inviting him, and he should be questioned even beyond that,” the former service chief added.
Irabor also called for action against Islamic clerics Sani Jingir and Ahmad Gumi over what he described as previous inciting comments.
He said statements attributed to Sheikh Jingir could contribute to the threats facing the country and urged the authorities to invite him for questioning.
“Added to that is of course the Sheikh in Kano, Sheikh Jingir, who also made some comments which of course I believe are also inciting,” Irabor said.
He similarly called for Gumi to be invited and arrested over comments he said warranted official action.
According to Irabor, decisive action against individuals making inflammatory statements would demonstrate that no one is above the law.
He said authorities should ensure that anyone whose statements threaten public peace is made to answer for them, regardless of their political, religious or social status.
