Nigerian rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has weighed in on the political crisis in Rivers State following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the region.
Taking to social media, X on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Falz strongly criticized the President’s decision, arguing that no constitutional law permits the suspension of an elected governor. He questioned the justification for the move, stating: “Rivers State, 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. Also, is Rivers State at war? Is there an actual breakdown of public order? Is there a threat to the existence of the federation?”
Falz’s reaction came just minutes after President Tinubu addressed the nation regarding the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State. In his speech, the President cited constitutional violations by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, including the alleged deliberate collapse of the legislative arm of government.
According to Tinubu, the Supreme Court had already ruled against Fubara’s actions, emphasizing that governance cannot function effectively without all three arms of government. He also highlighted the governor’s failure to facilitate the passing of an Appropriation Bill and condemned the rise of militant activities in the region, particularly the vandalization of oil pipelines.
Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President officially declared a state of emergency, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as the interim administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu reassured the public that the judiciary in Rivers State would continue functioning independently. Also, he said that the emergency measure aimed to restore constitutional order, governance, and security in the state.
Lastly, the reaction of Falz has since sparked widespread debate online, with many Nigerians questioning the legality of the President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and its implications for democratic governance in the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech:
The reaction of Falz:
Rivers State, 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.
Also, is Rivers state at war? Is there “actual breakdown of public order”? Is there a threat to the existence of the… pic.twitter.com/Ckux5fCz4v
— Bop Daddy (@falzthebahdguy) March 18, 2025
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