“Charge Pro-Wike Ex-LGA Chairmen for Treason,” Reps Members Urge Fubara

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have urged Governor Similayi Fubara to charge 23 former local government chairmen in Rivers State with treason. These chairmen are known to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The lawmakers, under the coalition G60, claim that the ex-council chairmen’s attempt to retain their positions beyond their constitutionally mandated three-year tenure amounts to a treasonable offense. This assertion was made during a press conference held on Tuesday following an emergency meeting in Abuja.

Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, speaking on behalf of the group, accused the former chairmen of violating several legal provisions, including Section 37(1) of the Criminal Code Act, Section 39 of the Nigeria Police Act, and multiple sections of the Criminal Code Act and the constitution. These provisions prohibit any attempt to unlawfully occupy a position of power or forcibly take over government functions.

“We commend the people of Rivers State for their courage in defending the local government against illegal seizure attempts by the former chairmen,” Ugochinyere stated. He highlighted the citizens’ actions as aligned with Section 20 of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act, which empowers citizens to prevent criminal acts in their presence.

Ugochinyere further referenced Section 39 of the Nigeria Police Act of 2020, which allows private individuals to arrest suspects who commit offenses in their presence. He called on the judiciary to remain vigilant and ensure that attempts to unlawfully take over government institutions are thwarted.