§ 55. Mr. MAXTONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Mr. Victor Eluaka, a native of Nigeria, was recently flogged at the open market at Buruku, in Northern Nigeria, for failing to pay his tax in time; whether this took place with the knowledge and approval of an administrative officer; and whether he will direct the governor to institute an inquiry?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)The case to which the hon. Member refers has been the subject of a question in the Legislative Council of Nigeria. In reply to that question, it was expressly denied that the flogging was inflicted by the order of an administrative officer, and it was stated that the Governor had directed that further close inquiry should be made into the case. I am asking the Governor to report the result.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs it within the power of local magistrates in Nigeria to inflict flogging for the non-payment of taxes?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIt is perfectly plain that no local magistrate ordered this flogging at all.
§ Mr. MAXTONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman which part of his reply indicates that no local magistrate ordered this flogging?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIn my reply I said:
It was expressly denied that the flogging was inflicted by the order of an administrative officer.
§ Mr. MAXTONYes, but may I ask him whether it is possible for persons holding no public position to order floggings in Nigeria on native citizens who do not pay taxes?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am quite sure that it is not possible for any person holding no public position in the British Empire to order the flogging of anybody. The Governor dealt with the allegation that this was ordered by an administrative officer. That has been completely disproved, and he has ordered a close inquiry into the circumstances as to what happened, and when I get the Governor's report I will communicate it to the House.