The Centre for Community Law strongly condemns the brutal attack on MC Porkupyne in Benin City, Edo State.

The Centre wishes to remind everyone that freedom of speech and freedom of association are essential ingredients of democracy. Whatever MC Porkupyne’s affiliation, and whoever might have been offended by his opinion, no one has the right to brutally attack anyone in this manner. While we are at liberty to choose how we direct our preferences and whom and what we choose to associate with, we are not at liberty to let loose the dogs of vandalism and death on society, nor should society be cowed into silence by the fear of attack.

Those who enjoy the instrumentality of violence today should remember that no one has a monopoly on violence; they must also remember that nothing lasts forever.

We welcome the decision of the Edo State Police Command to investigate the incident and urge the Police to conduct a thorough, independent and transparent investigation, identify those responsible, and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

On our part, we have initiated the process of securing visa bans for individuals in and outside of the state who have been fanning the embers of violence with their highly inciting comments. We urge all Edolites in the diaspora to begin identifying individuals, at home or abroad, who are supporting the slide into barbarism. No one has the right to support evil at home while enjoying the safety of a foreign land.

We wish MC Porkupyne a speedy and full recovery and stand in solidarity with him, his family, and all those committed to peaceful democratic participation.

Centre for Community Law