Renowned Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that it undermines the principles of federalism.
President Tinubu imposed emergency rule on Tuesday, citing political instability in the oil-rich state. The decision led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State Assembly for an initial period of six months. In their place, Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.
Speaking to The Africa Report, Soyinka questioned the constitutional framework that allows such sweeping executive powers, asserting that Nigeria’s federal system is more centralised than it should be.
“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,” he said.
The literary icon challenged the wisdom behind Tinubu’s decision, suggesting that in a properly structured federal system, no president should have the unilateral authority to suspend an elected government.
“The debate will go on whether this 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,” he added.
Soyinka reiterated his long-standing demand for a national conference to address the structural flaws in Nigeria’s governance system. He maintained that the country’s current political arrangement is ill-suited for its diversity and should be replaced with a constitution that truly reflects federalist ideals.
“The system we are operating right now is not the best for a pluralistic society like ours. The federal spirit of association is a cardinal principle… right now, in principle, this action is against the federal imperative,” he stated.