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.

Gusau-Led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Commended As Major Project Kicks Off At MKO Abiola National Stadium

Gusau-Led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) commended as major project kicks off at MKO Abiola National Stadium. In a landmark move aimed at revitalizing Nigerian football, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday officially launched the construction of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Surrounded by notable figures from Nigeria’s political, business, and football sectors, the ceremony signaled a new era for the Ibrahim Gusau-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The ambitious project, funded by FIFA, is expected to provide top-notch infrastructure for national teams, reduce operational costs, and boost grassroots development.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Abbas expressed the National Assembly’s commitment to the project, commending the collaboration between the National Sports Commission, the NFF, and FIFA.

“This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” he stated.

Representing FIFA, Gelson Fernandes, Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer and Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the importance of infrastructure in FIFA’s vision under President Gianni Infantino.

He emphasized that the organization is committed to developing football facilities globally to enhance the sport’s growth.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed his excitement about the project’s impact on Nigerian football, describing it as a significant milestone for his administration.

“For sustained success, we must create an environment that supports our players and officials to perform at their best. This project will also help cut costs and allow us to invest more in grassroots development,” Gusau noted.

The event saw a gathering of distinguished guests, including the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi; former Edo State Deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu; former Youth and Sports Minister, Chief Sunday Dare; and Nigerian football legend Olusegun Odegbami.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)

Also present were members of the NFF Executive Committee, former NFF General Secretary Ambassador Fanny Amun, and football icons Mutiu Adepoju, Samson Siasia, Victor Ikpeba, Precious Dede, and Stella Mbachu.

The project’s impact is expected to extend beyond the national teams, benefiting football academies and leagues while positioning Nigeria as a competitive force on the global football stage.

As construction begins, optimism runs high that this initiative will foster a new chapter of success for Nigerian football, strengthening its foundation for future generations.