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ESVBM Condemns Alleged Attack On MC Porkupyne, Warns APC Against Political Violence Ahead Of 2027 The Edo State Village Boys Movement (ESVBM) has condemned the reported attack on comedian and social commentator, Idemudia Daniel, popularly known as MC Porkupyne, at Westley Hotel in Benin City, calling for a thorough investigation and warning against political violence ahead of the 2027 general election. In a press statement signed by its Village Town Crier and Publicity Secretary, Osayimwense Isabeghian, the movement expressed concern over reports that individuals allegedly identified as All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs were involved in the incident. The group called on the Edo State Police Command and other relevant security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law, irrespective of political affiliation or status. “We are deeply disturbed by reports of this incident, which allegedly involved individuals identified as APC thugs,” the statement said. It added that political thuggery, intimidation and physical violence against citizens were unacceptable in a democratic society. The movement maintained that MC Porkupyne's political views and public commentary did not justify any form of assault or harassment. “MC Porkupyne is a citizen of Edo State, a comedian and a public voice whose opinions, like those of every other Nigerian, are protected by the fundamental principles of freedom of expression and the rule of law,” it stated. The group further declared: “Democracy does not give anyone the right to beat, molest, threaten or intimidate another person simply because they disagree with what that person says or represents.” ESVBM Warns APC Against Political Intimidation The movement also warned the Edo State APC and other political actors against using intimidation to influence political participation ahead of the 2027 general election. According to the group, the forthcoming election should not be treated as a battle in which political opponents are threatened or attacked. “APC must understand that 2027 is not a do-or-die affair,” the statement said. It argued that political parties should rely on their records, policies and achievements to convince voters rather than resort to intimidation. “If those in power believe they have performed credibly, they should present their achievements, defend their record and allow the electorate to make its judgment freely,” the movement stated. The group also stressed that no political party owned Edo State or had the right to suppress the voices of citizens. “Government is not a licence to intimidate. Political office is not a permit to unleash violence. And the possession of power today does not guarantee the consent of the people tomorrow,” it added. ESVBM warned that attacks on comedians, journalists, activists, opposition supporters and other citizens over their political opinions could undermine democratic participation and create an atmosphere of fear. Movement Rejects Retaliation, Calls For Accountability While condemning the reported incident, the movement distanced itself from political violence and retaliatory attacks, insisting that justice must be pursued through lawful means. The group declared that its opposition to intimidation should not be interpreted as an endorsement of mob action or revenge. “Our commitment to peace must never be mistaken for cowardice, our restraint must never be interpreted as weakness, and our respect for the rule of law must never be exploited as an invitation to intimidate citizens with impunity,” the statement read. It added that violence would not silence criticism but would instead expose intolerance among those unwilling to be challenged. “Violence does not silence the truth; it only exposes the intolerance and desperation of those who fear being challenged,” the group stated. ESVBM also called on the Edo State Government and APC leadership to publicly condemn political violence and make it clear that no political supporter or associate was above the law. Police Asked To Investigate Alleged Attack The movement called on the Commissioner of Police in Edo State and other relevant authorities to commence an impartial investigation into the reported incident at Westley Hotel. It urged the police to identify and investigate individuals allegedly involved, including anyone suspected of organising, financing, directing or facilitating the incident, where evidence supports such an inquiry. The group also called for the preservation of relevant evidence, including CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, video recordings and other materials that could assist investigators. It further urged the authorities to prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law and provide appropriate protection against further threats or intimidation where a risk is established. “The police must demonstrate that the law applies equally to everyone and that no individual or political group is entitled to special protection from accountability,” the statement said. The movement warned against any attempt to disregard the allegations or shield suspects because of their political connections. ESVBM Says Condemnation Is Not Based On Political Affiliation The group clarified that MC Porkupyne was not a member of the Edo State Village Boys Movement, explaining that its position was based on the need to protect the rights and safety of every citizen. “For the avoidance of doubt, MC Porkupyne is not a member of the Edo State Village Boys Movement. Our condemnation of this reported incident is not based on membership, party loyalty or personal affiliation,” the statement said. “It is based on a fundamental principle: every citizen deserves protection from unlawful violence, regardless of who they are or what political views they hold.” The movement maintained that the matter extended beyond the comedian, arguing that any failure to address politically motivated violence could expose other residents to similar incidents. It warned that Edo State should not become an environment where political disagreements were settled through physical confrontation rather than debate, policies and elections. “The people of Edo deserve peace. They deserve security. They deserve the freedom to speak without fear,” the statement added. The movement concluded by reiterating its opposition to political thuggery and intimidation, demanding justice for MC Porkupyne and urging political actors to respect the law and allow democratic processes to function without coercion. “The 2027 election must be a contest of ideas, records, competence and the will of the people, not a contest of thugs, threats and brute force,” the statement said. It added: “Edo State belongs to its people, not to any political party. The people will not surrender their voices to intimidation, and legitimate criticism of government will not be silenced by violence.”

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