Falz Condemns Tinubu’s Declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers
There is ABSOLUTELY NO LAW that allows a president to SUSPEND a governor.
Popular Nigerian rapper and activist, Folarin Falana, better known as Falz, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, questioning the legality and justification of the move.
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On Tuesday, President Tinubu announced emergency rule in Rivers, citing political unrest in the oil-rich state. As part of the directive, the elected Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, along with his deputy and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, were suspended for six months. In their place, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
Reacting on his Twitter page, Falz expressed strong disapproval, arguing that there is no constitutional provision allowing a president to suspend a duly elected governor.
“There is ABSOLUTELY NO LAW that allows a president to SUSPEND a governor. A Governor is elected into office and may only be removed by impeachment,” he wrote.
The singer, known for his outspoken activism, further questioned whether Rivers State was facing a crisis severe enough to warrant such drastic action.
“Is Rivers State at war? Is there an actual breakdown of public order? Is there a threat to the existence of the Federation?” he asked.
Falz’s remarks reflect wider concerns from opposition parties, civil society organizations, and political analysts who view the state of emergency as a dangerous precedent that could undermine Nigeria’s democracy. The PDP has also rejected the move, calling it unconstitutional and an attempt to weaken opposition voices.
As reactions continue to pour in, it remains to be seen whether legal challenges will be mounted against Tinubu’s directive or if the National Assembly will step in to review the situation.
For now, the political crisis in Rivers State continues to generate intense debates across the country, with many calling for the protection of democratic institutions and constitutional processes.
