Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), has called for the arrest and questioning of politicians, clerics and other public figures whose statements could allegedly incite violence or worsen Nigeria’s security challenges.
Irabor specifically backed calls for action against Senator Francis Fadahunsi and Islamic clerics Sheikh Sani Jingir and Sheikh Ahmad Gumi over remarks attributed to them.
Speaking amid heightened political tensions ahead of the Osun State governorship election, the former military chief argued that individuals whose public statements could provoke violence should be held accountable.
Irabor also supported the police invitation of Fadahunsi over his controversial “kill Accord” remark.
Fadahunsi had been summoned by the Osun State Police Command following a viral statement that was interpreted by critics as a call for violence against Accord Party members.
The senator subsequently clarified that he meant supporters should “kill Accord” with votes rather than through physical violence.
Irabor nevertheless argued that statements capable of inciting violence should not be ignored.
The former CDS also called for the arrest and questioning of Jingir and Gumi over statements he described as potentially inflammatory.
His comments come amid heightened concerns about inflammatory political and religious rhetoric in Nigeria.
Irabor stressed the importance of applying the law equally, regardless of the status or influence of the person involved.
“Nobody is above the law,” was the central argument in his call for authorities to investigate individuals whose statements could threaten public peace.
The remarks come as security agencies prepare for the Osun governorship election and as political tensions remain high across the state.