Falz Rejects Tinubu’s Suspension of Rivers Governor, Cites Constitutional Breach

Nigerian rapper and activist Falz has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of its governor.

On Tuesday, Tinubu announced the emergency measure, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected state lawmakers for six months, citing political unrest. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) was appointed as the state’s administrator.

Reacting on Twitter, Falz argued that the Nigerian Constitution does not empower the president to suspend an elected governor.

Falz Rejects Tinubu’s Suspension of Rivers Governor

“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.

He further questioned whether the situation in Rivers justified such extreme action, asking, “Is Rivers State at war? Is there an actual breakdown of public order? Is there a threat to the existence of the Federation?”

NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko Inducted as Honorary Member of International Military Sports Council

In recognition of his contributions to sports development, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has been inducted as an Honorary Member of the International Military Sports Council (CISM). The induction ceremony, held at the NSC Secretariat on Tuesday, was presided over by Major General Maikano Abdulahi, President of the Organization of Military Sports in Africa and Vice-President of CISM.

Major General Abdulahi highlighted Mallam Dikko’s pivotal role in the success of the last Africa Military Games hosted in Abuja, noting that the event owed much of its success to the NSC’s support under Dikko’s leadership. “The last Africa Military Games was successful largely due to the support of the NSC under his leadership. We have also noted the ongoing sports reforms in Nigeria under his watch. We hope for further collaborations for the good of sports in Nigeria, Africa, and the world generally,” Maj. Gen. Abdulahi stated.

Shehu Dikko

With this honorary membership, Mallam Dikko will have access to the officers’ mess at the CISM headquarters in Brussels, further solidifying the bond between Nigerian sports administration and the global military sports community. The recognition reflects the growing influence of Nigeria in the realm of international military sports and highlights the positive strides being made in sports reform under Dikko’s guidance.

Tinubu’s Emergency Order In Rivers Brazen, Illegal – CUPPS

Tinubu’s emergency order in Rivers brazen, illegal – CUPPS. CUPP national secretary Peter Ameh said in a statement on Tuesday that it was a “selective application of the state of emergency decree.”

The Coalition of United Political Parties has described the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers as a “dangerous precedent” for Nigeria’s democracy.

CUPP national secretary Peter Ameh said in a statement on Tuesday that it was a “selective application of the state of emergency decree.”

Mr Ameh said by suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appointing a sole administrator, President Bola Tinubu flagrantly disregarded the Constitution and undermined the principles of democracy.

“The selective application of the state of emergency decree in Rivers state, while ignoring other states plagued by similar or even worse security challenges, raises questions about the motivations behind such a decision.

“The Constitution is clear: a governor can only be removed from office through impeachment by the State House of Assembly, death, resignation, or completion of tenure. Nowhere does it grant the president the power to suspend a governor or declare a state of emergency as a tool for political suppression.

“The president’s actions are not only unconstitutional but also a blatant overreach of executive power. To remove an elected official at will, he is setting a dangerous precedent that threatens the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.

Mr Ameh said it was not just about Rivers but about the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the protection of citizens’ rights.

“If this unlawful act is not challenged, we risk creating a culture of impunity where presidents can arbitrarily remove elected officials who refuse to toe their line,” he said.

Mr Ameh said Nigerians must demand that their leaders respect the Constitution and uphold the principles of democracy.

“We must reject this brazen attempt to undermine our democracy and hold our leaders accountable for their actions,” he said.

CUPPS

Mr Ameh said the president’s broadcast had raised eyebrows, with many noticing that he solely blamed Mr Fubara for the political impasse, while conveniently ignoring FCT minister Nyesom Wike.
He said the omission suggested that the president had taken sides, sparking concerns about his impartiality.

“By failing to acknowledge Wike’s role in the impasse, Tinubu’s administration has created an impression of bias, which could further exacerbate the situation.

“This perceived favouritism could undermine the president’s credibility and raise questions about his commitment to fairness and justice,” he said.

Mr Ameh said the ball was in the court of the judiciary and the Nigerian people to stand up for the country’s democracy.