Nigerian rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, questioning the legality of the action.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political unrest and security concerns. This declaration led to 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 state’s administrator during this period.
Falz expressed his disapproval on social media, asserting that there is no constitutional provision allowing a president to suspend an elected governor. He emphasized that a governor can only be removed from office through impeachment proceedings. Falz further questioned the necessity of the emergency measures, asking: “Is Rivers State at war? Is there an actual breakdown of public order? Is there a threat to the existence of the Federation?”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also criticized the president’s actions, describing the suspension of elected officials as unconstitutional and an assault on democracy. The NBA highlighted that a declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments.
These developments have sparked a broader debate about the balance of power between federal and state authorities, as well as the legal processes required to address political crises within Nigeria’s democratic framework.
