Nigerian rapper and activist Falz has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, along with his deputy and all members of the State House of Assembly.
The president also declared a state of emergency in the state, a move that has sparked widespread debate. Taking to the social media platform X on March 18, 2025, Falz expressed his disapproval, calling the decision unconstitutional and an abuse of power.
He questioned the legal foundation for such a drastic measure and urged Nigerians to scrutinize the situation carefully. “Rivers State, there is ABSOLUTELY NO LAW that allows a president to SUSPEND a governor,” he wrote, emphasizing that governors are elected by the people and can only be removed through impeachment.
Expanding on his argument, Falz highlighted the specific legal framework that governs the declaration of a state of emergency. He cited the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which clearly outlines the conditions under which such a declaration is justified.
“The President shall have power to issue a Proclamation of a state of emergency only when – (a) the Federation is at war; (b) the Federation is in imminent danger of invasion or involvement in a state of war; (c) there is actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security.”
He challenged Tinubu’s rationale by asking whether Rivers State was experiencing a war-like situation or any immediate threat to the nation’s existence. “Is Rivers State at war? Is there an actual breakdown of public order? Is there a threat to the existence of the federation?” he queried.
The controversy escalated when an X user directly asked Falz, “Can the president suspend the governor of a state?” Without hesitation, the rapper responded, “Simple answer is NO.” His straightforward reply reinforced his stance on the issue, further fueling the ongoing debate among Nigerians online.
Many users supported his position, arguing that Tinubu’s actions set a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic processes. Others, however, defended the president’s decision, citing the need for urgent intervention in the state’s political crisis.
The conversation quickly gained traction, drawing responses from legal experts, politicians, and concerned citizens, all weighing in on the legality and implications of the suspension.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025, defended his decision, stating that the suspension of Governor Fubara and his deputy was essential to restoring stability in Rivers State. He cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as the legal basis for his actions.
“We cannot afford to let political instability threaten the peace and governance of Rivers State,” he declared. According to Tinubu, the prolonged crisis in the state had reached a critical point where decisive action was necessary to prevent further escalation. He assured Nigerians that the intervention was temporary and aimed at ensuring law and order.
Despite the president’s justification, Falz and many others remain unconvinced. The rapper has continued to use his platform to challenge what he perceives as an overreach of presidential authority. His activism has once again positioned him as a prominent voice in Nigeria’s political discourse, calling on citizens to hold their leaders accountable.
“This is about democracy. If we allow this, what stops a president from doing the same in any other state?” he asked in a follow-up post. As the situation unfolds, the debate over the legality and morality of Tinubu’s decision is expected to intensify, with legal challenges likely to arise in the coming days.
