Falz Condemns President Tinubu’s Suspension of Rivers State Governor, Calls Decision Unconstitutional
Nigerian rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declare a state of emergency in the state. Taking to social media platform X on March 18, 2025, Falz argued that the move was unconstitutional and an abuse of power.
“Rivers State, there is ABSOLUTELY NO LAW that allows a president to SUSPEND a governor,” the rapper wrote. “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?”
He also referenced Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the conditions under which a state of emergency may be declared. According to the constitution, such a declaration is only valid if:
- The country is at war
- There is an imminent danger of invasion
- There is a complete breakdown of public order and safety
- There is a clear threat to the existence of the federation
In response to an X user who asked whether the president had the power to suspend a governor, Falz simply replied, “Simple answer is NO.”
The controversy arose following President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on March 18, in which he announced the six-month suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Citing the prolonged political crisis in the state, Tinubu argued that the drastic measure was necessary to prevent further unrest and ensure stability.
“We cannot afford to let political instability threaten the peace and governance of Rivers State,” Tinubu stated.
His decision has sparked widespread debate, with legal experts and political analysts weighing in on its constitutional implications. While some argue that the state of emergency is justified given the ongoing tensions, others share Falz’s concerns that it sets a dangerous precedent for executive overreach.
As reactions continue to pour in, all eyes are on Rivers State to see how the situation unfolds in the coming days.
