Osun: Those Inciting Violence Risk International Prosecution — Hashim

The Presidential Candidate of the Accord Party, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has warned politicians and their supporters against actions capable of triggering violence during the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

Hashim, in a statement issued as the election enters its final stage, urged political actors to refrain from inflammatory statements and conduct capable of undermining the peaceful conduct of the poll.

His warning followed reports concerning a statement allegedly made by the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, in which he was said to have threatened members of the Accord Party ahead of the election.

Although Fadahunsi has reportedly denied the allegation, the controversy surrounding the statement has generated reactions across the country, with calls for security agencies to investigate the matter.

Reacting to the development, Hashim said those who incite political violence, particularly violence that results in loss of lives, should be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.

The Accord presidential candidate argued that incitement to violence and murder could attract international legal consequences, stressing that Nigeria’s obligations under relevant international treaties should not be overlooked.

Hashim, who is a recipient of the Max Beloff Prize for Global Affairs, said, “Nigeria, being a signatory to the Hague Convention, must immediately arrest and prosecute the Senator, failing which we shall activate the mechanism for an international arrest warrant at The Hague.”

He alleged that there had been instances of violence against Accord supporters, claiming that some members of the party had been killed while others sustained injuries.

According to him, political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, must publicly condemn acts of violence and take responsibility for ensuring that their supporters conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election.

Hashim further alleged that some political actors had in the past made inflammatory statements capable of escalating tensions without sufficient intervention from their party leadership.

“We want to let everyone know that these actions would not go unpunished,” he said, while calling on security agencies to investigate all credible allegations of threats and incitement.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command has reportedly invited Senator Fadahunsi for questioning over the alleged threat.

The Police Public Relations Officer, according to Hashim’s statement, said the senator had been invited to respond to the allegation and that the command would take further steps if he failed to honour the invitation.

The development comes as political parties intensify their campaigns and mobilisation ahead of the August 15 governorship election, amid growing concerns over the need for a peaceful electoral process in the state.