The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Osamwonyi Evbaguehita Atu, along with two other public officials, has triggered widespread condemnation after pledging a ₦1.1 million reward to a man who allegedly assaulted a government critic living abroad.
The assault occurred in the United Kingdom, when social‑media influencer and vocal government critic Albert Obaze was allegedly attacked by a man known as Ehimare “Double Chief” Erewele. The alleged assault was captured on video and quickly circulated online. In the aftermath, Deputy Speaker Atu pledged ₦300,000, while the Edo State representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Patrick Aisowieren, committed ₦500,000, and the Acting Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Hon. Gabriel Iduseri, added ₦300,000 summing up to ₦1.1 million.
The public display of reward sparked outrage and concern over the message it sends. Critics denounced the act as condoning violence and amplifying intimidation against dissenting voices. One concerned resident told local media that public officials should “exemplify restraint and respect for law,” not sanction assault on critics.
Observers point out that the assault and the reward thereafter could have serious consequences for civil liberties and public discourse. It raises questions about the safety of Nigerians living abroad and the accountability of public officeholders. Political watchdogs have called for investigations into the matter and for appropriate sanctions against officials found to endorse violence.
