Emergency Rule in Rivers: Falana lambasts Tinubu, condemns act

Femi Falana SAN

The Emergency rule in Rivers recently has faced thorough criticism from a renowned lawyer and Activists, Femi Falana SAN.

Falana has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for usurping the power of President by illegally removing his fellow elected governor Siminalayi Fubara as Governor of Rivers State.

He added that the president has right to declare a state of emergency but lacks constitutional rights to remove elected officials.

This was contained in report from The Nigeria Lawyer media release on April 6th 2025.

The report states: “Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, accusing him of implementing what he once vehemently opposed as governor of Lagos State.

“Falana described the move as unconstitutional and a contradiction of Tinubu’s past stance when former President Olusegun Obasanjo considered similar action in Lagos during the OPC crisis.

“Speaking during a webinar titled “Civilian Coup? Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers,” over the weekend, Falana expressed shock that Tinubu, alongside the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike—who had previously resisted such federal interference under former President Muhammadu Buhari—are now spearheading what they once opposed.

“I remember President Tinubu, as Lagos State governor, threatening that Lagosians would resist any state of emergency declaration by Obasanjo during the OPC crisis.

“Similarly, Wike was vocal in rejecting the use of federal might during the 2019 elections crisis in Rivers State.

“It is surprising that both men are now promoting what they fought against,” Falana stated.

“Falana clarified that while Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution empowers the president to declare a state of emergency, it does not grant him the authority to remove elected officials.

“He questioned the legal basis for Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State Assembly, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling that declared the sacking of local government chairmen by state governors illegal.

“It was the federal government that took this matter to court last year and won.

” The Supreme Court even ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to withhold allocations to states that fail to recognize their local government councils.

” If a governor cannot sack local government chairmen, where is the president getting the power to sack a state governor?” Falana queried.

“He challenged legal professionals supporting the president’s action to identify the constitutional provision that empowers Tinubu to remove state executives.

” He further criticized the National Assembly for approving the suspension of Rivers State’s government through a mere voice vote, calling it a mockery of democracy”, The report stated.

Who is Femi Falana SAN?

Femi Falana is a renowned Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, born on May 20, 1958, in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

He’s the father of popular Nigerian rapper, singer, and online comedian, Falz.

Falana’s illustrious career spans over four decades, during which he
Championed Human Rights.

He’s a vocal advocate for human rights, providing free legal services to the poor and disadvantaged.

He opposed Military Oppression. Falana has consistently spoken out against military regimes and oppression.

He is a Publisher and Author. His notable publications include: Governance in Post Military Nigeria and Fundamental Rights Enforcement..

Education and Career
Falana’s educational background includes:
– St. Michael’s School* (1963-1968)
– Sacred Heart Catholic Seminary* (1971-1975)

Obafemi Awolowo University (1977-1981), where he earned his law degree

Awards and Recognition
Falana has received numerous awards for his dedications to human rights, including – The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) nominee

Civic Activism Award by BudgIT (2022)
-Bernard Simons Memorial Award from the International Bar Association (2008)

-Lifetime Achievement Award for Human and Civil Rights by LXG Awards

-Human Rights Defender Award by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ)

Professional Affiliations
Falana is a member of several professional organizations, including,

West African Bar Association, Nigerian Bar Association, Pan African Lawyers Union and International Bar Association.

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