The National Coalition for Democratic Justice and Peace (NCDJP) has asked Nigerians to stop the controversy over a statement linked to Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi.
The group said the senator’s use of the word “kill” in relation to the Accord Party was not a call to physically harm or kill anyone.
According to the coalition, Senator Fadahunsi used the word as a political expression to mean defeating the Accord Party through votes during the election.
The NCDJP said it reviewed the matter and also spoke with the senator about what he meant by the statement.
The National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Peter Andrew Emmanuel, said the full meaning of political statements should be considered before people accuse others of promoting violence.
“From our engagement with Senator Fadahunsi and our review of the circumstances surrounding the controversy, it is clear to us that his reference was to using votes to defeat Accord politically. He did not call for the killing of Accord Party members or supporters,” Emmanuel said.
He, however, advised political leaders to be careful with their choice of words, especially during election periods when emotions are high.
The coalition also noted that some words used in Nigerian languages can have different meanings depending on the situation in which they are used.
It said political statements should therefore be understood from the full conversation and not from a short video clip or one word taken out of context.
The NCDJP also called on supporters of different political parties in Osun State to allow peace to return following the conclusion of the governorship election.
“The election has come and gone. What Nigeria needs now is reconciliation, responsible political engagement and respect for the outcome of the democratic process,” the group said.
The coalition added that nobody should be attacked or treated as a criminal simply because of a controversial political statement without first looking at the full facts.
It also urged the media to report controversial political statements carefully and give readers enough information to understand the full context.
According to the group, responsible journalism should help reduce tension and promote peace, rather than create more misunderstanding between political supporters.
The NCDJP said it condemns violence in all forms and would never support any genuine call for people to be harmed.
It, however, maintained that Senator Fadahunsi’s explanation should be considered alongside the full context of his statement.
The group described Fadahunsi as an outspoken politician who has served in the 9th and 10th Senates and has been involved in legislative and constituency matters.
The coalition urged political parties, their supporters and the general public to put the election behind them and focus on peace, unity and democratic engagement.
It concluded by calling for restraint, saying political disagreements should not be allowed to create fresh tension or conflict in Osun State.
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