‘Accountability Depends On Who You Are’ — Rufai Oseni Criticises Nigeria’s Law Enforcement.

 

Arise Television host and broadcaster Rufai Oseni has accused the Federal Government of applying double standards in its handling of inflammatory and provocative statements in Nigeria.

Oseni made the comments while discussing the controversy surrounding Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who faced widespread criticism over a viral video in which he allegedly made incendiary remarks against members of the Accord Party ahead of the Osun State governorship election.

Fadahunsi has denied the allegation, claiming that the video was manipulated using artificial intelligence. However, he reportedly later explained that his comments were intended to refer to defeating political opponents at the ballot box.

Reacting to the controversy, Oseni argued that law enforcement agencies had enough evidence to prosecute the senator if the government was genuinely committed to tackling hate speech and inciting rhetoric.

The broadcaster said Fadahunsi should be allowed to defend himself in court following his appearance before the police but expressed doubt that the case would result in meaningful legal action.

According to Oseni, influential Nigerians often escape consequences for provocative statements, while others face tougher treatment depending on their political, religious or ethnic identity.

He cited the cases of prominent northern clerics and detained Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu as examples of what he described as unequal treatment.

“The hypocrisy on which the country lives is that there are some that cannot say it. An example goes back to the case of the likes of Sheikh Gumi. They can say some things and get away with it. If you are probably an Nnamdi Kanu, you cannot say some things. That’s how the country is structured,” Oseni said.

He maintained that the response to provocative statements in Nigeria was often influenced by the identity and affiliations of the person involved rather than the consistent application of the law.

“So, what is said in Nigeria depends on where you are when you said it, your political affiliation, your religious affiliation, your racial affiliation, your tribal affiliation, that’s just it,” he added.