The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Nigeria Police Force to move beyond invitations and public warnings and take lawful action against politicians and public officials accused of making inflammatory statements capable of inciting political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
HURIWA, in a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the delay in decisive action in cases involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Shekwolo and Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, was raising concerns about the enforcement of Nigeria’s electoral laws.
The association said repeated warnings by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies against threats, intimidation and inflammatory political rhetoric would have little impact if persons accused of violating the law were not properly investigated and, where evidence establishes an offence, prosecuted.
According to HURIWA, prompt investigation, prosecution and sanction of individuals found culpable of political incitement would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and serve as a deterrent to others.
HURIWA recalled that a video circulated shortly before the August 15 governorship election in Osun State in which Senator Francis Fadahunsi allegedly called on supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to retaliate against members of the Accord Party in Ilesa.
The association said the senator was subsequently invited by the police following public concerns over the alleged statement.
HURIWA, however, said Nigerians deserved to know whether the invitation had resulted in a formal investigation, prosecution or any other lawful action.
The group maintained that a police invitation should not substitute for prosecution where an investigation establishes that a criminal offence was committed.
It added that any explanation or denial subsequently attributed to the senator should not prevent law enforcement agencies from establishing the facts surrounding the alleged statement.
HURIWA also expressed concern over the case involving Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Shekwolo.
The association said Shekwolo was captured in a widely circulated video allegedly threatening residents who did not support the APC.
It recalled that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) subsequently called for his arrest and prosecution over the alleged conduct, describing it as intimidation and an assault on constitutional and democratic principles.
HURIWA, therefore, called on the police to disclose the current status of the matter and explain why Nigerians had not been adequately informed about any prosecution arising from the allegations.
The association stressed that residents must be free to support any political party or candidate of their choice without fear of expulsion, intimidation or punishment.
HURIWA also called for a proper investigation into statements attributed to Borno State Commissioner Sainna Buba.
The association said Buba was captured in a circulating video allegedly making statements that appeared to threaten opposition supporters with punishment if they refused to support the APC.
HURIWA said that if the statements were established to have been made as alleged, they should be investigated under the relevant laws.
The group stressed that public office should not confer immunity from accountability for statements or actions that may violate the law.
HURIWA said it was concerned that security agencies continued to issue warnings against political incitement while Nigerians were yet to see sufficient evidence of prosecution in some high-profile cases.
The association noted that the police had publicly described incitement as a criminal offence and promised to arrest and prosecute individuals whose statements threatened public peace.
