Nigerian rapper and activist, Falz, has publicly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend its governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the emergency measure, citing political instability in the oil-rich state. As part of the directive, Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for six months. In their place, the president appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator to oversee the state’s governance during this period.
Reacting to the development on his X (formerly Twitter) page, Falz strongly opposed the decision, arguing that the Nigerian Constitution does not grant the president the authority to suspend an 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,” Falz stated.
The rapper further questioned whether the situation in Rivers State warranted such drastic intervention, pointing out that a state of emergency is typically declared under extreme circumstances.
“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, challenging the rationale behind the president’s decision.
Falz’s reaction has sparked conversations among Nigerians, with many debating the legality and implications of the suspension on the country’s democratic principles.
