Soyinka Criticizes Tinubu’s State Of Emergency In Rivers, Calls For Constitutional Reforms

Sobechi Obasi2 weeks ago

1 1 minute read

Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka condemns President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Soyinka argues that it undermines the principles of federalism and grants excessive power to the presidency.

Last week, President Tinubu declared emergency rule in the oil-rich state, citing political instability. Consequently, 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 expressed concerns over the concentration of power in the presidency. He states that Nigeria’s constitution needs urgent reform to reflect true federalism.

“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.

He criticized the centralization of power, arguing that it contradicts the federal spirit of association.

“The government is over-centralized. 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.

Furthermore, Soyinka asserted that Nigeria’s current governance structure is unsuitable for a diverse society. He stresses that the constitution places too much authority in the hands of the president.

“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 stated.