Renowned Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, saying it contradicts the fundamental principles of federalism and over-centralizes power in the presidency.
Tinubu recently declared emergency rule in Rivers State following a protracted political crisis, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the entire state assembly for an initial six-month period. In their place, he appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the oil-rich state.
Speaking in an interview with The Africa Report, Soyinka said the Nigerian Constitution grants excessive powers to the president, making it necessary to consider amending key sections to align with genuine federalism.
“Against the Federal Spirit of Association”
“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 stated.
He argued that Nigeria’s governance system is overly centralized and that Tinubu’s action violates the foundational principles of a true federation.
“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,” he added.
Soyinka further stressed that Nigeria’s constitutional framework needs urgent review to prevent the abuse of executive authority, particularly in a diverse and multi-ethnic society.
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“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,” he said.
Call for a National Conference
The literary icon reiterated his long-standing call for a national conference, arguing that only through such a platform could Nigerians create an authentic constitution that reflects the true essence of federalism.
“The federal spirit of association is a cardinal principle… right now, in principle, this action is against the federal imperative,” Soyinka emphasized.
Background: Rivers’ Political Crisis and Emergency Rule
The political turbulence in Rivers State has been ongoing for months, rooted in a bitter power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The crisis deepened when 27 members of the state assembly attempted to impeach the governor.
The escalation of the crisis prompted Tinubu to declare emergency rule. However, critics, including opposition leaders and legal experts, have questioned the legality of the president’s action, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for undermining state autonomy.
With growing opposition to the emergency rule, Soyinka’s latest remarks add intellectual weight to the debate, further intensifying the discourse on Nigeria’s governance structure and the need for constitutional reforms.