The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has condemned the statement made by Oba of Lagos, Mr Rilwan Akiolu threatening Ibos in the State who may vote against his preferred candidate in the forthcoming April 11 State-level elections.
A statement by the Situation Room said “The Oba’s statement offends the constitutionally guaranteed rights of every citizen to vote for candidates of their choice in elections.
“His statement also constitutes an electoral offence as it constitutes threats of violence. In addition, it constitutes hate speech likely to provoke mass crimes in violation of international human rights laws.
Situation Room also called “on the Oba of Lagos to immediately withdraw his statement, apologise for his hate speech and reiterate his respect for the right of all Nigerian citizens to freely and democratically express themselves in the State level elections on April 11 2015.
