Falz Condemns Fubara’s Suspension By Tinubu, State Of Emergency In Rivers

Nigerian musician and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, calling it unconstitutional.

On Tuesday evening, March 18, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the ongoing political unrest between Fubara and the House of Assembly members.

As part of the directive, the president suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all 27 elected members of the State House of Assembly for six months.

Reacting on his X handle, Falz argued that no law grants a president the power to suspend a sitting governor.

He emphasized that an elected governor can only be removed through an impeachment process, not by executive order.

Referring to constitutional provisions on declaring a state of emergency, Falz questioned whether Rivers State was experiencing war or a breakdown of public order severe enough to justify such drastic action.

“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,” he wrote.

He further challenged the basis of Tinubu’s declaration, asking, “Also, is Rivers State at war? Is there an actual breakdown of public order? Is there a threat to the existence of the federation?”

Meanwhile, heavily armed soldiers have taken over the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt. Although Governor Fubara was still inside his residence when troops arrived around 9 p.m.