Femi Falana Nigerian Lawyer and Human Rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, has backed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, and his running mate, Datti Baba- Ahmed on their alleged treasonable utterances after they lost the presidential poll to the president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Mr. Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed were being alleged of incitement and treasonable by the administration of outgoing president Muhammad Buhari. This allegation followed their uncensored utterances when featured on national television.
Datti had, in a live interview with the Channels Television, threatened that the President-elect, Bola Tinubu should not be sworn in. He vowed that sweating in Tinubu may invite a military coup. The statement has been widely condemned by many elders statesmen and political stalwarts in the country.
Backing the stands of Obi and Datti against the Federal government of Nigeria, Mr. Falana said Datti's statement against the May 29th swearing-in of Tinubu is a "mere statement" that should not be taken seriously.
In his view, Mr. Falana quoted section 37 of the Criminal Code Act, he stated that treason can only be committed against a sitting president or governor.
Mr. Falana said “Messrs Peter Obi and Datti Ahmed have approached the court to challenge the results of the presidential election in line with the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
“The law provides that the persons declared by INEC to have won the elections shall be sworn in pending the determination of the election petitions.
“The law prescribes 180 days (6 months) for hearing of election petitions and 60 days (two months) for appeals arising from the decisions of trial courts or tribunals.
“All elected candidates including Labour Party elected members are going to be sworn in on May 29.”
“Whoever says inauguration will not hold is merely expressing his or her opinion. It is not treason to express one’s personal opinion” he contends, adding, “By virtue of section 37 of the Criminal Code Act, treason occurs when any person levies war against the State, in order to intimidate or overawe the President or the Governor of a State.
“Any person found guilty of treason, and is liable to the punishment of death” he concluded.
Category: World-News
Tag: Peter Obi Datti BabaAhmed and treason
Written by Ejiro Hassan (ejiro)
Published 4/6/2023 8:29:40 PM