Arise Television host and broadcaster Rufai Oseni has accused the Nigerian government of applying double standards in its handling of inflammatory and provocative statements, arguing that political, religious and ethnic affiliations often determine whether individuals face consequences.
Oseni made the remarks while discussing the controversy surrounding Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who came under criticism over a viral video containing remarks directed at political opponents ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
Fadahunsi had reportedly defended himself by claiming that the video was manipulated using artificial intelligence. However, Oseni noted that the senator later appeared to clarify that he was referring to defeating his opponents at the ballot box.
The broadcaster argued that law enforcement agencies had enough evidence to prosecute Fadahunsi if the government was genuinely committed to tackling hate speech and inciting rhetoric.
Although Oseni said the senator should be allowed to defend himself in court after being questioned by the police, he expressed doubts that the matter would result in meaningful legal action, citing what he described as a pattern of prominent Nigerians escaping consequences for provocative statements.
He further criticised what he called systemic hypocrisy in the enforcement of the law, comparing the treatment of prominent northern clerics and political figures with that of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu.
“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 argued that the response to controversial statements in Nigeria often depends on the identity and affiliations of the person making them 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.
