Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the reported attack on comedian Osagie Daniel Idedia, popularly known as Porkupyne, in Benin City, Edo State, describing the incident as an alleged politically motivated assault and calling for an urgent investigation.
In a statement, Atiku alleged that the comedian was attacked because of his support for him and his calls for good governance and accountability in Edo State. He called on the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that justice is served.
Atiku accused Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of responsibility for what he described as a climate of impunity in which opposition supporters could be subjected to intimidation and violence. These were Atiku’s allegations and have not been independently established in the statement.
He challenged Governor Okpebholo to address the incident publicly and called on the state government to demonstrate that it would not tolerate political violence or protect anyone found to have been involved.
The former vice president also urged President Tinubu and the APC leadership to take steps to prevent attacks against opposition supporters, stressing that political differences should not expose citizens to violence or intimidation.
Atiku called on the police to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation into the reported assault, including examining allegations of political involvement and determining whether anyone sponsored, facilitated or participated in the attack.
He further appealed to Amnesty International and foreign diplomatic missions in Nigeria to pay close attention to the treatment of opposition supporters, independently document incidents of alleged politically motivated violence and press for accountability as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
According to Atiku, Nigerians must be able to express political opinions, support candidates of their choice and demand accountability without fear of physical attacks or intimidation.
He demanded immediate justice for Porkupyne and called for measures to protect citizens exercising their rights to political choice and peaceful dissent.
The reported incident has renewed attention on the need for impartial law enforcement, political tolerance and the protection of citizens regardless of party affiliation. However, the circumstances of the attack, the identities of those responsible and any alleged political links require verification through an investigation by the appropriate authorities.
No individual or organisation should be considered responsible for the assault solely on the basis of an allegation; any findings should be established through credible evidence and due process.
