Soyinka: Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers Betrays Federalism

Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a move that undermines the principles of federalism.  

On Tuesday, Tinubu declared emergency rule in the oil-rich state following ongoing political instability. As part of the measure, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

In their place, the president appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the sole administrator of the state.

Speaking with The Africa Report, Soyinka expressed concerns over the concentration of power in the hands of the president, arguing that the Nigerian constitution grants excessive authority to the presidency.

“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 questioned the wisdom of the decision, stating that it contradicts the core principles of federalism.

“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.

Soyinka emphasized the need for a national dialogue to revisit Nigeria’s constitutional framework, calling for reforms that would better reflect the country’s pluralistic nature.

“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.

Reiterating his long-standing advocacy for a national conference, Soyinka argued that such a platform would allow Nigerians to craft a truly representative constitution.

“The federal spirit of association is a cardinal principle… right now, in principle, this action is against the federal imperative,” he stated.

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