Falz on Rivers crisis: No law allows the president to suspend a governor

Falz, the rapper and lawyer, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers and declare a state of emergency in the region.

Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers state house of assembly for six months on Tuesday night and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.

Tinubu’s action followed a prolonged political crisis in the state. The president also cited “constitutional violations” by Fubara, including the “collapse” of the legislative arm of government.

In an X post, the ‘Soft Work’ hitmaker questioned the justification for the state of emergency, asking if Rivers is “at war” or “threatening the existence of the federation”.

The lawyer also shared screenshots of the constitution, highlighting provisions for declaring a state of emergency.

“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.

“Also, is Rivers state at war? Is there ‘actual breakdown of public order’? Is there a threat to the existence of the federation?”

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

Falz, who rose to fame in 2009, is renowned for using his music to address societal issues and bad governance. Some of his popular tracks include ‘Wehdone Sir’, ‘Child of the World’, and ‘Talk’.