Gumi, Jingir, MC Oluomo, Fadahunsi can say what Nnamdi Kanu can’t in Nigeria — Rufai Oseni

Nigerian journalist Rufai Oseni has criticized the country's handling of inflammatory statements, alleging the government applies double standards based on political, religious, and ethnic affiliations. This came after Senator Francis Fadahunsi sparked controversy with a comment about killing members of the Accord Party before the Osun State governorship election.

Oseni questioned Fadahunsi's claims that the viral video was AI-manipulated, pointing out that he later seemed to contradict himself by suggesting he would defeat his opponents with votes in the election.

Oseni contended that if the government was serious about addressing hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric, Fadahunsi should have been allowed to defend himself after being interrogated, even if it did not lead to a conviction. However, he expressed skepticism that the senator would face serious consequences, as he believes that many controversial statements in Nigeria go unpunished.

Oseni highlighted the apparent double standard by comparing the treatment of individuals like Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, noting that they can say things and avoid repercussions, while others cannot.

He attributed Nigeria's deepening political and religious divisions to the controversy over a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. Oseni opposed such a ticket, arguing that political arrangements in a multi-religious country should be fair. He also pointed to a leaked audio where former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi described the 2023 election as a "religious war," a claim that Gumi reportedly supported in subsequent remarks.

Oseni maintained that the response to controversial statements in Nigeria often hinges on the speaker's political, religious, ethnic, or racial identity. He concluded by stating, "Gumi, Jingir, MC Oluomo, Fadahunsi can say what Nnamdi Kanu can’t in Nigeria."