Falz Questions Legality of Rivers Governor’s Suspension

• Mar 19, 2025

Nigerian rapper and lawyer Falz has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and impose a state of emergency in the region. He argued that no law grants the president the power to suspend a democratically elected governor.

President Tinubu announced the suspension on Tuesday night, removing Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed to oversee the state’s affairs. The president cited constitutional violations by Fubara and claimed that the legislative arm of the government had collapsed, justifying the emergency declaration.

Reacting to the development, Falz took to social media platform X to question the legal basis for Tinubu’s actions. He argued that the Nigerian Constitution does not allow a president to unilaterally remove a governor and emphasized that an elected governor can only be removed through impeachment.

“Rivers State, there is absolutely no law that allows a president to suspend a governor,” he wrote. “A governor is elected into office and may only be removed by impeachment.”

Falz also questioned whether the situation in Rivers State met the constitutional conditions for declaring a state of emergency. “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.

The rapper, known for using his music to address social and political issues, also shared screenshots of constitutional provisions related to emergency declarations. His comments have sparked discussions online, with many Nigerians debating the legality of Tinubu’s decision.

Falz, who gained prominence in 2009, has been vocal about governance and human rights in Nigeria. His songs, including Wehdone Sir, Child of the World, and Talk, often highlight corruption, oppression, and societal issues.

The controversy surrounding Rivers State continues to grow, with legal and political analysts weighing in on the president’s actions and the possible implications for Nigeria’s democracy.