Soyinka slams Tinubu for imposing emergency rule in Rivers, calls for reform

Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, saying it undermines the spirit of federalism.

Tinubu imposed emergency rule on Tuesday following political instability in the oil-rich state. He also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for an initial six months. In their place, he appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.

Speaking to The Africa Report, Soyinka argued that Nigeria’s constitution grants excessive powers to the president.

“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,” he said.

He questioned the wisdom of Tinubu’s decision, stating, “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.”

Soyinka reiterated his longstanding view that Nigeria’s governance system is flawed. “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.

The renowned playwright also renewed his call for a national conference, saying it would create an opportunity to draft 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 added.