The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned recent statements by the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose and a Catholic cleric, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka on the forthcoming elections. Governor Fayose had recently sponsored an advertorial on popular newspapers including The Punch, cautioning Northerners not to support the election bid of General Muhammadu Buhari, whom he said was too old to lead the country.
Fayose’s advert also had pictures of previous leaders from the North West, who had died while in office. He noted that the country has had enough of state burials.
Fr. Mbaka on his part asked Nigerians not to vote President Jonathan for a second term in office but instead support General Muhammadu Buhari whom he said will bring the desired change Nigeria needs. He noted that the administration of President Jonathan has failed to tackle the problems ravaging the nation.
Reacting to the controversial advert by Gov. Fayose and the statement credidted to Fr. Mbaka, the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, said such statements are capable of instigating violence during the election period.
He noted that the leaders had violated the law as section 95 of the electoral act is very clear on what constitutes hate speech. According to Odinkalu, such provocative statements can bring undesirable consequences for the country.
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