Human rights advocacy group, Amnesty International Nigeria, has called out the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevworie, over a viral video of man totured for allegedly criticising the governor ovdr an abandioned road project.
The victim, identified as Godspower Okedi, was publicly flogged with whips and pieces of woods in the viral video posted on X on Thursday.
The incident which occurred in Emevor Community, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State had sparked public outrage wih demand for justice over the assault on the man.
While strongly condemning the act, Amnesty held that the victim was punished unlawfully for demanding accountability.
The group labelled the assault as violation of human rights and assault on freedom of speech.
“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.” It wrote.
Amnesty expressed concerns over the incressed cases of human rights violation in Delta.
It called for investigation over the assault.
“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.” The group stated.
Amnesty further noted that the Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression and protects citizens from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
It charged the authorities to act swiftly to uphold these rights and prove that nobody, no matter their position, is above the law.