Irabor Calls for Arrest of Fadahunsi, Jingir and Gumi Over Inciting Statements
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), has called for decisive action, including arrest, against politicians, religious figures and other prominent Nigerians who make statements capable of inciting violence and threatening the country’s peace.
Irabor made the call while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, following controversy over a viral video involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East.
Fadahunsi was alleged to have directed his supporters to kill members of the Accord Party and their family members ahead of the Osun governorship election. The senator was subsequently invited by the police for questioning but later maintained that his comments had been edited and taken out of context.
Reacting to the development, Irabor condemned the alleged remarks and commended the police for inviting the lawmaker for questioning.
According to the former military chief, anyone who makes comments capable of provoking violence should be promptly investigated and, where necessary, arrested.
Irabor also called for action against Islamic clerics Sani Jingir and Ahmad Gumi, accusing them of making statements that could contribute to insecurity and social tension.
He stressed that no individual should be considered above the law, arguing that firm action against inflammatory statements would help strengthen public confidence and boost the morale of Nigeria’s security forces.
The former CDS further linked inflammatory political rhetoric to the deployment of military personnel during elections.
He warned that statements reminiscent of the political tensions of Nigeria’s First Republic could contribute to a deterioration of the security situation.
Irabor said military deployments during elections should primarily serve as a deterrent and should not ordinarily be necessary if the political environment remains peaceful.
He urged political and community leaders to learn from Nigeria’s history and avoid rhetoric capable of triggering violence or undermining the country’s democratic process.
