Soyinka Condemns Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers, Calls for Constitutional Reform
Protests: Tinubu’s Speech Fails to Address Police Brutality – Soyinka
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, warning that it undermines the principles of federalism.
Tinubu announced the emergency rule on Tuesday, citing political instability in the oil-rich state. As part of the directive, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State Assembly were suspended for six months. In their place, the president appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.
Speaking with Ghetto News Report, Soyinka argued that Nigeria’s constitution grants excessive power to the president, making the country’s federal system overly centralized.
“If this is constitutionally right, then it is time we amended the constitution to ensure Nigeria operates as a genuine federal entity,” he stated.
Soyinka also questioned the wisdom of Tinubu’s decision, insisting that a true federal system should prevent such unilateral actions.
“The debate will continue on whether this was a wise decision, but in terms of fundamental principles, I believe it goes against the federal spirit of association,” he added.
He further reiterated his long-standing call for a national conference to draft a more representative constitution.
“The system we currently operate is not ideal for a pluralistic society like ours. The federal spirit of association is a cardinal principle, yet this decision contradicts that imperative,” he said.
A vocal advocate for constitutional reform, Soyinka has consistently argued that Nigeria’s current structure does not reflect true federalism. His latest remarks add to the growing debate on Tinubu’s emergency declaration and its broader implications for democracy and governance in Nigeria.
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