The recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sparked strong reactions from prominent Nigerian figures, including rapper and lawyer Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, veteran Nollywood actress Hilda Dokubo, among others.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He also appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the state’s administrator for the next six months.
Reacting to the development, Falz questioned the legality of the President’s decision, arguing that the suspension of a governor falls outside the President’s constitutional powers. He asserted that a governor, being an elected official, can only be removed through impeachment. Taking to his X handle, Falz wrote:
“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?”
Read Also: Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers, Suspends Governor Fubara, His Deputy, and Lawmakers
Similarly, actress and politician Hilda Dokubo strongly condemned the President’s decision, alleging that it was a strategic move to take control of Rivers State’s economy. In a post on her Instagram page, she accused Tinubu of attempting to “capture the economic soul of Rivers State” under the guise of a state of emergency. Expressing her outrage, she wrote:
“State of emergency because for two years we have had peace!
State of emergency because you want to capture the economic soul of Rivers State!
State of emergency because of one man?
Shameless! Perhaps Mr. President should say he wants to annex Rivers State.”
Referencing George Orwell’s classic novel Animal Farm, she added:
“The Animal Farm by George Orwell should be given to every Rivers State citizen as palliative.
Meantime, someone tell Mr. Jones to rein in his pigs.”
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has generated widespread debate across the country. While some see it as a necessary intervention in the ongoing political crisis, others, like Falz and Dokubo, view it as an unconstitutional overreach by the President. As tensions continue to rise, all eyes remain on the unfolding political drama in the state.
