Nigerian rapper and activist, Falz, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu's decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declare a state of emergency in the state. The outspoken artist took to social media platform X on March 18, 2025, to express his disapproval, labeling the move unconstitutional. Falz emphasized that there is no legal provision allowing a president to suspend a governor, noting that a governor can only be removed through impeachment. He questioned the justification for the state of emergency, asking whether Rivers State was at war or experiencing a breakdown of public order severe enough to threaten national security. Quoting the Nigerian Constitution, Falz outlined the specific conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared: “The President shall have power to issue a Proclamation of a state of emergency only when - (a) the Federation is at war; (b) the Federation is in imminent danger of invasion or involvement in a state of war; (c) there is actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security.” In response to a query from an X user who asked if the president had the authority to suspend a governor, Falz firmly stated, “Simple answer is NO.” President Tinubu, in a nationwide address on March 18, justified the six-month suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as a necessary step to restore order amid the ongoing political turmoil in the state. Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, he argued that the intervention was crucial in preventing further escalation of the crisis. “We cannot afford to let political instability threaten the peace and governance of Rivers State,” Tinubu declared. The decision has sparked widespread debate, with critics and legal experts questioning its constitutional basis and potential implications for democratic governance in Nigeria.