A faction of the House of Representatives known as G-60 has urged Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to prosecute former local government chairmen for treason. This appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, June 18, led by Ikenga Ugochinyere, the representative for Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency in Imo State. The call comes after these officials allegedly attempted to remain in office beyond their three-year terms.
The G-60 representatives, including Aliyu Mustapha (PDP, Kaduna), Matthew Nwogu (LP, Imo), and Midaila Usman (PDP, Borno), emphasized the need for legal action based on Section 37 of the Criminal Code Act. This section states:
1. “Any person who levies war against the State, in order to intimidate or overawe the President or the Governor of a State, is guilty of treason, and is liable to the punishment of death.”
2. “Any person conspiring with any person, either within or without Nigeria, to levy war against the State with intent to cause such levying of war as would be treason if committed by a citizen of Nigeria, is guilty of treason and is liable to the punishment of death: Provided that nothing in this section shall prevent any act from being treason which is so by the laws of England as in force in Nigeria.”
Ikenga Ugochinyere praised Governor Fubara for his democratic approach, noting that despite provocations, he allowed the former local government chairmen to complete their terms, contrasting with his predecessor’s actions in 2015. Ugochinyere urged the Rivers State government to prepare treason charges against the 23 former LGA chairmen and their supporters for their alleged attempt to unlawfully extend their tenure.
This call highlights the serious nature of the accusations and the legal consequences associated with treason as defined under Nigerian law.