Renowned Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, warning that it undermines the principles of federalism.
Tinubu declared emergency rule on Tuesday, citing political instability in the oil-rich state. The move led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. In their place, the president appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.
Speaking to The Africa Report, Soyinka argued that Nigeria’s constitution grants excessive powers to the president, making the federal system more centralized than it should be.
“If it is constitutionally right, then I think it is about time we sat down and amended the constitution to ensure it operates as a genuine federal entity,” he stated.
The literary icon further questioned the wisdom of Tinubu’s decision, asserting that a true federal system should prevent such unilateral actions.
“The debate will go on about whether this was, in the first place, a wise decision. But in terms of fundamental principles, I believe this move contradicts the federal spirit of association,” Soyinka added.
Reiterating his long-standing call for a national dialogue, Soyinka emphasized the need for a constitution that truly represents Nigeria’s pluralistic society.
“The system we are operating right now is not the best for a diverse nation like ours. The federal spirit of association is a cardinal principle, and in principle, this action violates that imperative,” he stressed.
Soyinka has been a vocal advocate for constitutional reforms, arguing that Nigeria’s current structure does not reflect genuine federalism. His latest remarks add to the growing debate over Tinubu’s emergency declaration and its broader implications for democracy and governance in Nigeria.
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