Rivers: Reps Members Urge Gov. Fubara to Charge Pro-Wike Ex-LGA Chairmen with Treason

 

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara

Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives have urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to charge 23 former local government chairmen in Rivers State, who are loyal to the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, with treason. These ex-council chairmen allegedly attempted to retain their positions forcefully after the expiration of their three-year tenure, which the opposition deems treasonable.

 

The opposition lawmakers, operating under the banner of G60, expressed their stance during a press conference in Abuja following an emergency meeting on Tuesday. They lauded Governor Fubara and the citizens of Rivers State for resisting the efforts of these "disgruntled elements" to unlawfully take over local government councils.

 

Accusations and Legal Grounds 

Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, speaking on behalf of the group, accused the former local government chairmen of violating several legal provisions, including:

• Section 37(1) of the Criminal Code Act
• Section 39 of the Nigeria Police Act
• Section 12 of the Criminal Code Act
• Section 23 of the Criminal Code Act
• Section 1(2) of the Constitution, which prohibits unlawful occupation of power or forceful government takeover

 

Ugochinyere praised the people of Rivers State for their courage in protecting local government institutions and preventing the unlawful takeover. He highlighted that their actions align with Section 20 of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act, which empowers citizens to arrest and thwart criminal activities occurring in their presence.

 

Empowering Citizens and Ensuring Justice 

Additionally, Ugochinyere referenced Section 39 of the Nigeria Police Act of 2020, which allows private individuals to arrest suspects committing offences in their presence or whom they reasonably suspect of having committed an arrestable offence.

 

He called on the judiciary to stay vigilant and curb the activities of those attempting to unlawfully seize governance institutions in Rivers State or any other part of Nigeria.