The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Osamwonyi Evbaguehita Atu, alongside two other public officials, have drawn to themselves widespread outrage after pledging a total of N1.1 million in cash rewards to a man who allegedly assaulted a government critic, Albert Obaze, in the United Kingdom.

The individual being rewarded is Ehimare Erewele, popularly known as “Double Chief.” Deputy Speaker Atu pledged N300,000 to the assaulter. Similarly, the Edo State representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Patrick Aisowieren, pledged N500,000, and the Acting Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Hon. Gabriel Iduseri, pledged N300,000, bringing the total sum promised to Erewele to N1.1 million.

The pledges were made public in a viral video circulated immediately after the incident, showing the political figures exchanging banter with the attacker and openly commending him for the assault.

The victim, Albert Obaze, is a social media influencer known for his critical commentary on governance and developments in Edo State.

The incident and the subsequent endorsements have elicited strong condemnation from concerned citizens, who argue that such gestures by public officials amount to openly promoting hostility and violence.

A resident named John Victor noted that public office holders ought to promote good conduct and exemplify tolerance. He added that such behaviour undermines the dignity of leadership and raises fundamental questions about the values being promoted by those in authority.

Another resident, speaking anonymously, suggested that those who could openly reward an act of assault on a critic could also exert undue influence on future elections.

The assault reportedly occurred while Obaze was conducting a livestream in the UK when he was suddenly confronted and physically assaulted by Erewele. (Daily Trust)