Incitement won’t be tolerated in Edo, group warns Eedris Abdulkareem

The group said while freedom of expression remains a fundamental right, it does not extend to inciting the public to violence or disorder.

It warned that such actions would not be tolerated under any guise.

In a statement, the group was reacting to viral videos showing the singer’s performance in Benin City on April 3, during which he allegedly made derogatory remarks about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his son, Seyi Tinubu.

According to the group, the artiste was heard alleging that “Tinubu is the biggest fraud” and claimed that Nigerians began committing suicide under the current administration.

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It was gathered that the development prompted the Edo State Government to seal off Mega Hub, the venue where the performance took place.

The group, in the statement by its National Coordinator, Amb. Precious M. Topa, however, dismissed the claims as false and misleading, insisting that it is untrue that Nigerians began committing suicide under the administration of President Tinubu.

Amb. Topa accused the singer of deliberately attempting to incite hatred and misinform the public.

Describing the comments as “uncharitable and unbecoming,” the group stressed that no individual or organisation should allow their platform or property to be used to undermine constituted authority or promote public disorder.

It also hailed Governor Monday Okpebholo for sealing the facility, noting that the action sends a strong signal that Edo State cannot be used as a breeding ground for unrest or unlawful activities.

Drawing parallels with global developments, the group urged Nigerians to take lessons from the case of Kanye West, who was recently barred from entering the United Kingdom following a series of antisemitic remarks, including praise for Adolf Hitler and the promotion of Nazi-related symbols.

The UK authorities withdrew his travel authorisation because his presence was “not conducive to the public good,” a move that led to the cancellation of a major music festival he was scheduled to headline.

The group maintained that attempts to provoke unrest or manipulate public sentiment for chaos would only endanger lives, damage communities, and undermine national stability, adding that constructive dialogue, lawful engagement, and responsible expression remain the only viable paths to sustainable development.

“Democracy and freedom of speech do not extend to incitement, deliberate misinformation, or any attempt to provoke unrest or undermine lawful authority”, it added.