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Falz Condemns President Tinubu’s Suspension of Rivers Governor Amid State of Emergency
Popular Nigerian rapper and activist Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz, has voiced strong opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The decision, which resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has sparked nationwide debates on its legality and implications for democracy.
In a national broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, President Tinubu defended his move by citing constitutional violations by the Rivers State governor.
He accused Fubara of deliberately crippling the legislative arm of government, failing to present an Appropriation Bill, and allowing a rise in militant activities, including the destruction of oil pipelines.
The President referenced Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the legal backing for his decision, suspending not only the governor but also his deputy and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.
The President announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the interim administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
However, he assured that the judiciary in Rivers State would continue to function independently and that the emergency measure was necessary to restore governance, security, and constitutional order.
Reacting shortly after the announcement, Falz took to social media platform X to criticize the move, arguing that no constitutional provision supports the suspension of a sitting governor by the President.
He questioned the justification for the declaration, 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?”
His comments have since ignited widespread reactions, with many Nigerians debating the constitutionality of Tinubu’s actions.
While some argue that the measure was necessary to address the escalating crisis in the state, others believe it sets a dangerous precedent for democratic governance in Nigeria.
The situation in Rivers State remains tense, with political analysts and civil society organizations closely monitoring developments.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech:
Falz’s Reactions:
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