Former Chief of Defence Staff, retired General Lucky Irabor, has called for decisive action, including arrest, against politicians and other prominent Nigerians who make inciting statements capable of triggering violence and disrupting the peace of the country.
His call followed a recent statement by the Senator representing Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi, in a viral video in which he was alleged to have directed his supporters to kill members of the Accord Party and their family members ahead of the governorship election in the state.
Following the backlash over the statement, the lawmaker was invited by the police for questioning, after which he insisted that his statement had been edited to misrepresent his comment.
Irabor who spoke on Television’s The Morning Briefing, condemned the senator’s statement and commended the police for questioning him.
Following the inciting comment made by some religious and political leaders in the build-up to the 2027 general elections, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), has called for the arrest of Kaduna-based cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, Sheikh Jingir and Senator representing Osun East senatorial District, Francis Fadahuunsi over statements capable of triggering violence.
This is as the retired CDS stressed that no one should be allowed to operate above the law, noting that authorities were right to invite Fadahunsi for questioning, but argued that drastic action should be taken against anyone whose comments could threaten public safety.
Irabor reaction followed a viral video where Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East, in which the lawmaker was alleged to have called on his supporters to kill members of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
“For me as a person, any time we hear individuals making inciting comments, I think that such people should be picked up immediately, and that is why I am glad that even though the statement made by Senator Fadahunsi is a political one, but I think that it also borders on incitement to violence.
“I think the police have done the right thing by inviting him, and he should be questioned even beyond that.”
Irabor also extended his call for action to Islamic clerics Sani Jingir and Ahmad Gumi, whom he accused of making statements that could further heighten tensions in the country.
“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, that could also add to the bouquet of threats that we have.
“He also should be arrested and I also believe that the various comments that someone like Gumi has been making also demands that he be called not just to order but of course invited and arrested in other to let the populace know that there is nobody who is above the law and then when you say things that are not right you should be called in to answer,” the former service chief added.
Irabor’s remarks follows increasing political tensions ahead of the Osun governorship election, with concerns over inflammatory rhetoric, alleged threats and the potential for violence during the electoral process.
He maintained that decisive action against inflammatory statements would send a strong message that political status, religious influence or public office does not place anyone beyond the reach of the law.
