State of Emergency in Rivers: No law allows president suspend a governor — Falz

Nigerian rapper and activist Falz has reacted to President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend its governor.

On Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the emergency measure, citing political unrest in the oil-rich state.

The directive included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.

Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) was appointed as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the period.

Reacting via his Twitter page, Falz expressed his disagreement with the decision, arguing that the Nigerian Constitution does not grant the president the power to suspend an elected governor.

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
“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.

The rapper further questioned whether the situation in Rivers State justified such drastic action.

“Is Rivers State at war? Is there an actual breakdown of public order? Is there a threat to the existence of the Federation?” Falz asked.