The Imole Campaign Council, TICC, has called for the arrest and prosecution of Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi over alleged threats against members and supporters of the Accord in Ijeshaland, Osun State.
The council made the demand in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Chairman, Media and Publicity, Bamidele Salam.
According to TICC, the call followed a trending video in which Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, was allegedly heard inciting members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, against Accord supporters.
The campaign council said it was deeply concerned by the video, alleging that the senator called on APC members to attack Accord supporters wherever they were found in Ijeshaland.
TICC further alleged that the development corroborated reports it had received in recent weeks about the movement of suspected thugs, hoodlums and individuals allegedly impersonating police officers into Ilase, Fadahunsi’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 remarks as incitement to violence and a serious threat to the lives of Accord supporters and their families.
It also alleged that Fadahunsi had referred to “federal might” while threatening that Accord supporters could be prevented from voting during Saturday’s governorship election, even if they presented their Permanent Voter Cards at polling units.
TICC expressed concern that the alleged statements were coming from a serving member of the National Assembly, who, according to the council, had sworn to uphold the Constitution.
The campaign council therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to arrest and prosecute Fadahunsi if investigations establish that he committed any offence.
It also urged security agencies deployed for Saturday’s election to strengthen security across the six local government areas in Ijeshaland and protect voters, political supporters and residents.
The council further called for an investigation into allegations of armed thugs and fake policemen allegedly operating from Ilase and other parts of Ijeshaland.
TICC also raised allegations concerning the activities of the Intelligence Response Team, claiming that an aide of Fadahunsi, identified as ASP Wemimo, had led IRT personnel to the homes of Accord leaders in the area.
The council further alleged that its House of Representatives candidate, Alaba Popoola, who it claimed was abducted by the team on Fadahunsi’s instructions, remained in police custody.
TICC said it would hold Fadahunsi responsible for any violence against Accord members in Ijeshaland and other parts of Osun State.
The council, however, urged residents to remain peaceful and exercise their constitutional right to vote in Saturday’s governorship election.
