#EndBadGovernance: Renowned Journalist Akinnola Traces History, Criticizes Tinubu Govt For Charging Protesters With Treason
Renowned journalist and author, Richard Akinnola, has strongly criticized the President Bola Tinubu administration for charging #EndBadGovernance protesters with treason, arguing that the government is trivializing a serious offense
In a detailed statement signed by him which was seen by Osun Defender on Tuesday, Akinnola highlighted the historical significance of treasonable felony trials in Nigeria, warning against the misuse of such charges.
Akinnola traced the first treasonable felony trial in Nigeria to 1961, involving Joseph Tarka and others, who were eventually acquitted. He also referenced the most prominent case in 1962, where the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and 30 others were convicted for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Drawing parallels with the past, Akinnola condemned the Tinubu administration for its recent actions, likening them to the Babangida junta’s misuse of treason charges against activists like Gani Fawehinmi and Femi Falana.
He expressed disbelief that a government led by a former NADECO chieftain, who once fought against military oppression, would now label protesters carrying placards as treasonous.
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The statement reads, “The first treasonable felony trial in the history of Nige- ria was that of late Joseph Tarka and four others in 1961. Tarka, then President- General in the United Middle-Belt Congress/Action Group (UMBC/AG) Alliance, was charged along with Ayillah Yough, Ugo Iwoo, Labe Nughar and Lugi Mbiab before a Jos High Court. The trial took place between April and June 1961.
“Before the trial at the Jos High Court, a Jos Magistrate Court on Thursday, April 27, 1961 committed the five ac- cused persons for trial after the preliminary investigation into the charge of conspiracy and treason preferred against them. The main treasonable felony trial began on Tuesday, May 16, 1961, in a case that was prosecuted by the then Solicitor-General of the Northern region, Mr I.M, Lewis.
“However, all accused the persons were discharged and acquitted. The most prominent treasonable felony trial in Nigeria’s history was however, the trial and conviction of Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1962 when he was imprisoned by Justice George Sodeinde Sowemimo of Lagos High Court. Awolowo was arraigned along with 30 others in charge No. LA/68/C/62 for planning to overthrow the civilian government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
“Others charged with him were Oladipo Maja, Michael Omisade, Gabby Sasore, Adeyiga Akinsanya, Richard Babalola, Sunbo Jibowu, Samuel Onitiri, James Umoren, Ayo Akinsanya, Sunday Ebietoma, Samuel Taiwo Oredein, Anomuogharan Okotieyesin (Alias Morrison Okotie), Lateef Jakande Josiah Olawoyin.
“Others were Uzodinma Nwaobiala, Olabisi Onabanjo, Alfred Rewane, Gabriel Ekewejunoir-Etchie, Chike Obi, Simeon Oyeshile, San Otubanjo, Joseph Tarka, Josiah Lawan- son, Muri Badmus, Joshua Akamo, Alex Amuwo, Anthony Enahoro, Sam Ikoku, Ayo Adebanjo and James Aluko.
“The prosecutor, late Mr. B.A Adedipe (who later became a judge) alleged that the accused persons formed the intention to levy war against “our Sovereign Lady, the Queen within Nigeria in order by force or constrain to compel our Sovereign Lady the Queen to change her measures or counsels and manifested such intentions over acts” to oust the government of Late Sir Tafawa Balewa.
Awolowo was eventually convicted.
“It is therefore imperative for this government not to trivialize the offence of treason or treasonable felony as the Babangida junta did. Inebriated with power, Babangida, at some point, charged Gani Fawehinmi, Femi Falana, Segun Mayegun, Beko Ransome-Kuti and Baba Omojola, to a Kuje Magistrate court for treasonable offences, which were eventually thrown out. Their offences? Organizing protests and criticizing the junta.
“I have seen a couple of charges preferred against some #Endbadgovernment# protesters, where the Tinubu government is charging some placards-carrying protesters with treason! Levying war with placards and banners! Na so una don cheapen treason? It’s even more embarrassing that the government headed by a former NADECO chieftain, who led and funded protests against Abacha, till he fled abroad to escape Abacha’s killer squad, could be charging people for treason, for protesting against hunger. It is incredible.
“The government has trivialized a hitherto serious offence of treason just as Babangida did to Gani and others.
I therefore call on president Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to enter a nolle prosequi in respect of these cases. It is embarrassing.”
