Nigerian singer Folarin Falana, also known as Falz, has addressed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
On Tuesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. He stated that the decision was made after evaluating the political crisis in the state and suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy for six months.
Tinubu further suspended all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator to manage the state’s affairs.
Advertisement
On his X page, Falz responded to the news by stating that no law allows a president to suspend a governor.
READ MORE: Timaya Calls For Immediate Action As Herders Destroy Farmlands In Bayelsa
He pointed out that a governor is elected into office and can only be removed through impeachment.
The singer also raised questions about whether Rivers State is facing a war that warrants the state of emergency or if there is a real breakdown of public order or a threat to the Federation’s existence.
He 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?”.
The singer also shared screenshots of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which details the conditions under which a president is allowed to declare a state of emergency.
“Under Section 305(3) of the 1999 Constitution, the President has the power to declare 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;
“(d) there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof requiring extraordinary measures to avert such danger;
” (e) there is an occurrence or imminent danger, or the occurrence of any disaster or natural calamity, affecting the community or a section of the community in the Federation;
“(f) there is any other public danger which clearly constitutes a threat to the existence of the Federation; or
“(g) the President receives a request to do so in accordance with the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, ” the attachments read.
SEE POST:
