Nigerian rapper and activist Falz has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an unconstitutional power grab that threatens Nigeria’s democracy.
Falz, whose father is renowned legal luminary Femi Falana, did not hold back in his criticism of the president, insisting that the move is a violation of the 1999 Constitution and an attempt to subvert the will of the people.
Reacting to the president’s announcement, Falz stated, “This is not democracy. This is executive recklessness at its peak. You cannot just wake up and suspend a sitting governor because you don’t like the political situation in his state. If this is allowed to stand, then we might as well forget that we are a democratic nation.”
The declaration of a state of emergency came after prolonged political tensions in Rivers State, following a standoff between Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged godfather, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The president’s directive has effectively sidelined the governor, a move that many legal experts, including Falz’s father, have denounced as unconstitutional.
According to Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, a sitting governor can only be removed through impeachment by the State House of Assembly. “The President has no such powers,” Falz asserted.
“There are clear provisions in the law on how a governor can be removed from office, and none of them include a presidential decree. This is an assault on the constitution.”
Legal scholars have pointed out that even during a State of Emergency, the Constitution does not grant the president the authority to dissolve elected offices or impose unelected administrators.
“If a governor is to be removed, there is a constitutional process,” Falz emphasized. “You cannot just impose a military-style takeover in the name of security concerns.”
Citing past legal precedents, Falz referenced the controversial impeachment of Diepreye Alamieyeseigha in 2005 and other cases in Plateau, Ekiti, and Oyo states, where governors were removed under questionable circumstances.
Many of these impeachments were later overturned by the courts, reinforcing the principle that due process must be followed in such cases.
Falz also dismissed the president’s justification for the emergency rule, noting that Section 305 of the Constitution, which Tinubu cited, only allows for such measures in extreme cases such as war or widespread breakdown of law and order.
“There is no war in Rivers State. There is no imminent threat to the federation. So what exactly is this about?” he questioned.
He further warned of the dangers of setting a precedent where the executive branch can unilaterally dissolve a state government.
“If this is allowed, what stops the president from doing this in any state that doesn’t align with his party? What stops him from removing any elected official tomorrow? This is a slippery slope, and it is frightening.”
When asked about possible legal remedies, Falz was emphatic that the decision must be challenged in court.
“If the courts still have any credibility left, this should be declared null and void immediately. The judiciary must not allow itself to be bullied into submission. Otherwise, we can forget about democracy in this country.”
While many Nigerians have expressed outrage at the development, there is growing concern about the judiciary’s ability to act independently.
“Let’s be honest, we have seen how compromised the system can be. But if the courts allow this, then democracy is officially dead,” Falz said bluntly.
On social media, Nigerians have rallied behind Falz’s stance, with many calling for mass protests against what they describe as a blatant power grab.
One user wrote, “Falz is saying what most of us are afraid to say. This is dictatorship, plain and simple.”
Another added, “If this can happen in Rivers, then no state is safe from presidential interference.”
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