‘It’s against spirit of federalism’, Soyinka faults Rivers emergency rule

Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, has joined those condemning President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, saying such a move betrayed the spirit of federalism. Tinubu had declared emergency rule in Rivers following the political tension in the state. He suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, the Rivers […]

Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, has joined those condemning President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, saying such a move betrayed the spirit of federalism.

Tinubu had declared emergency rule in Rivers following the political tension in the state.

He suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, the Rivers Assembly for six months and appointed a retired Naval chief, Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the state’s sole administrator.

Speaking with The Africa Report, Soyinka said, “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.”

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He said the Nigerian constitution gives the president too much powers, calling for an amendment to some sections of the constitution.

“The government is over-centralised. 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.

“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 reiterated his call for a national conference which he said would provide an opportunity to “really accord ourselves an authentic people’s constitution”.