Amnesty International Nigeria strongly condemns the horrifying public flogging of Godspower Okedi in Emevor Community, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, simply for openly criticising and questioning those in power about an abandoned project.
A verified video circulating on social media shows local community members holding Godspower Okedi violently to the ground and flogging him with whips and piece of wood, and trampling on him with the aim of inflicting maximum physical harm. The victim was punished unlawfully for demanding accountability; by asking why an infrastructure project meant to develop his community was abandoned. Delta state is littered with abandoned projects.
This act of violence is a violation of human rights and a direct attack on freedom of expression. It also shows increasing tyranny at the states level, with governors enabling atrocities shamelessly. Any person has right to complain about poor infrastructure, ask questions about public funds, and demand better governance without fear of physical violence, torture, intimidation or humiliation.
The trend of human rights atrocities in Delta State are disturbing, as local leaders and state-aligned figures are using abuse of power to shrink civic space and shut down critics and whistleblowers. When local authorities resort to violence to cover up failed or abandoned projects, they encourage corruption and undermine the rule of law.
Amnesty International calls on the Nigerian authorities to investigate this horrific attack on freedom of expression by minions of people in power.
Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression and protects citizens from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The authorities must act swiftly to uphold these rights and prove that nobody, no matter their position, is above the law.
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