Impeachment Directive: ‘Arrest Rivers APC Chairman for Treasonable Offense’, Lawyer Demands

In a recent development, Justice Osai Ahiakwo, a prominent lawyer and public commentator, has issued a call for the immediate arrest and trial of Mr. Tony Okocha, the acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State. The demand stems from Okocha’s alleged involvement in what Ahiakwo deems a treasonable offense.

The controversy arose when Okocha urged the 27 APC lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Sim Fubara. This move by Okocha has drawn sharp criticism from Ahiakwo, who characterized it as a treasonable act.

In a statement released from Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, Ahiakwo expressed his dismay over Okocha’s remarks, particularly his derogatory language towards the governor. Ahiakwo condemned Okocha’s call to what he referred to as “lawbreakers” to pursue the impeachment process, deeming it both inciting and potentially disruptive to public order.

Ahiakwo further argued that the lawmakers Okocha addressed had forfeited their legislative status upon defecting from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. He emphasized that their legitimacy as representatives had been nullified by the Nigerian Constitution, not by the governor. Additionally, Ahiakwo criticized the APC lawmakers for their lack of substantive legislative initiatives benefiting the populace.

The lawyer emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and warned against the propagation of anarchy, citing Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which he claims renders the legislative arm of government in Rivers State defunct due to the lawmakers’ party switch.

In conclusion, Ahiakwo cautioned Okocha and other APC leaders against misinterpreting the law to suit their interests, emphasizing the governor’s obligation to uphold the constitution