Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that it contradicts the principles of federalism and grants excessive power to the presidency.
Tinubu imposed emergency rule in the oil-rich state on Tuesday, March 19, citing political instability.
As part of the directive, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for an initial six-month period.
He also appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.
In an interview with The Africa Report, Soyinka criticized the level of control vested in the president by the Nigerian constitution, stressing the need for urgent constitutional amendments.
“If this action is constitutionally justified, then it is time to amend the constitution to ensure Nigeria operates as a true federal entity,” he stated.
He further argued that excessive centralization of power undermines federalism, questioning the wisdom of the emergency declaration.
“The government is overly centralized. There will be debates on whether this decision was wise, but in terms of fundamental principles, I believe it goes against the federal spirit of association,” he said.
Soyinka emphasized that Nigeria’s current governance structure is unsuitable for a diverse society, asserting that the constitution concentrates too much authority in the presidency.
“I find that the constitution has put too much power in the hands of the president.
The system we are operating now is not ideal for a pluralistic society like ours. That is a fundamental issue I have always raised,” he noted.
The literary icon reiterated his long-standing call for a national conference, which he believes is necessary to create an “authentic people’s constitution.”
“The federal spirit of association is a core principle… and in principle, this action contradicts that federal imperative,” Soyinka added.
