- Falz expresses concerns about the state of emergency in Rivers State.
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared the state of emergency due to political instability.
- Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy have been suspended for six months.
Nigerian artist and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has voiced his concerns over the recent state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
On Tuesday, March 18, Legit.ng reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the decision, citing political instability in the state. As part of the declaration, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy were suspended for six months.
Additionally, Tinubu dissolved the Rivers State House of Assembly and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state’s Administrator to oversee governance.
Reacting to the announcement, Falz took to Twitter to express his disagreement, emphasizing that there is no legal provision that allows a president to suspend a sitting governor. He highlighted that governors are elected officials and can only be removed through the impeachment process.
The musician also questioned whether the situation in Rivers State met the criteria for a state of emergency, asking whether there had been a breakdown of law and order or a threat to national security.
“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 federation?”
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See comments below:
@jernald_couture_:”When he was shouting it his his turn, he meant it is his turn to do anything and everything. He really does not want to be a president. He just wants the power that comes with it.”
@ezeqwesiri:”Good points Falz but unfortunately The Country doesn’t respect the rule of law . It’s lawless Allegedly! Disclaimer: I said “The Country” ; I no mention any country . Toh!”
@the_legalnerd”I’m a lawyer,but I would still say this Nigeria should just drop there constitution cause we don’t adhere to any law at this point.”
@dreydavids:”the Nigerian Constitution does not grant the President the power to suspend a Governor. The removal or suspension of a Governor is primarily governed by Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), which outlines the process for impeachment by the State House of Assembly. However, in extreme cases, the President may declare a state of emergency in a state under Section 305, which could lead to federal intervention. Even in such cases, the Governor is not automatically suspended; the National Assembly must approve the emergency rule.”
@cathyreese717:”Tinubu only obeyed what his boss wike told him to do. Wike told Tinubu to suspend Fubara and he did it.”
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