Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, saying the move undermines the spirit of federalism, Okay.ng reports.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared emergency rule in the oil-rich state, citing prolonged political crisis and instability.
As part of the proclamation, the president suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. He also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the sole administrator of Rivers State.
Speaking in an interview with The Africa Report, Soyinka said the move raises serious concerns about Nigeria’s constitutional structure, arguing that the Nigerian constitution grants excessive powers to the president.
“If it is constitutionally right, then I think it is about time we sat down and amended the constitution to make sure that it operates as a genuine federal entity,” Soyinka said.
“The government is over-centralised. The debate will go on whether this (state of emergency) was, in the first place, a wise decision but in terms of fundamental principles, I believe that this is against the federal spirit of association.”
The renowned playwright and activist stressed that Nigeria’s current system of governance does not reflect true federalism, adding that the centralisation of power is detrimental to a pluralistic society like Nigeria.
“I find that the constitution has put too much power in the hands of the president,” Soyinka remarked. “The system we are operating right now is not the best for a pluralistic society like ours. That is a fundamental principle I have always held.”
Soyinka reiterated his longstanding call for a national conference, which he believes would provide Nigerians the opportunity to draft an authentic people’s constitution.
“The federal spirit of association is a cardinal principle… right now, in principle, this action is against the federal imperative,” he added.
Okay.ng reports that the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State has sparked widespread debate and criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and prominent figures like Soyinka. Many argue the move sets a dangerous precedent and undermines democratic governance in Nigeria.
