Falz questions the legality of the State of Emergency in Rivers, arguing the President lacks the authority to suspend the elected governor

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igerian rapper and lawyer, Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz, has raised concerns regarding the State of Emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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The declaration, which came in the wake of ongoing political tensions in the state, has sparked mixed reactions across the country.

On Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state’s House of Assembly.

In their place, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) was appointed as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for the next six months.

However, Falz, known for his outspoken stance on social and political issues, took to his X handle on Tuesday night to voice his opposition to the move.

He argued that the President lacks the legal authority to suspend a sitting governor. According to the rapper-lawyer, a governor is elected into office and can only be removed through impeachment, not by a presidential decree.

In his statement, Falz also questioned the justification for the State of Emergency, asking whether Rivers State is experiencing a breakdown of law and order significant enough to warrant such a drastic measure.

He also questioned whether the state is at war or facing a threat to the federation, raising concerns over the legality of the declaration.

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

The declaration has stirred controversy, with some supporting the move as a necessary intervention, while others, like Falz, argue that it undermines the rule of law and the democratic process.

Also read: Bobrisky denies defamation claims by Falana and Falz, blames media critic

As the political situation in Rivers continues to unfold, many are closely watching how the legal and constitutional challenges surrounding this declaration will develop.