In a sharp critique of President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has expressed concerns about the move, suggesting it undermines the principles of federalism.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared emergency rule in the oil-rich state amid escalating political turmoil and instability.
As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for an initial period of six months.
In their place, Tinubu appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.
In an interview with The Africa Report, Soyinka questioned the expansive powers granted to the president by Nigeria’s constitution, suggesting that they may be excessive.
He called for a thorough examination and amendment of certain sections of the constitution to curb such centralized authority.
While acknowledging the complexity of the situation in Rivers, Soyinka also questioned the wisdom of the president’s drastic intervention, leaving open the debate on whether this move is ultimately in the best interest of the country.
“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.
“I find that the constitution has put too much power in the hands of the president. 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.”
The playwright further reiterated his call for a national conference which he said would provide an opportunity to “really accord ourselves 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 said.
