Soyinka Condemns Rivers Emergency Rule, Calls for Constitutional Reform
Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has strongly 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.
The emergency rule, declared on Tuesday, was Tinubu’s response to the political instability plaguing the oil-rich state. Alongside the declaration, the president suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. In their place, Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, was appointed as the state’s sole administrator.
Constitutional Overreach and Federalism Undermined
In an interview with The Africa Report, Soyinka decried the excessive powers granted to the president by the Nigerian constitution, arguing that such authority disrupts the core principles of a true federal structure.
“If this is constitutionally right, then it is time to amend the constitution to ensure that it operates as a genuine federal entity,” Soyinka remarked. “The government is over-centralized. Whether the declaration of a state of emergency was a wise decision is debatable, but in terms of fundamental principles, this action contravenes the federal spirit of association.”
He further criticized Nigeria’s current system of governance, asserting that the constitution disproportionately empowers the presidency at the expense of the states. According to him, such an arrangement is unsuitable for a diverse and pluralistic society like Nigeria.
Calls for National Conference and People’s Constitution
Reiterating his long-standing advocacy for constitutional reform, the literary icon emphasized the need for a national dialogue to restructure Nigeria’s governance framework.
“The federal spirit of association is a cardinal principle,” Soyinka insisted. “Right now, this action runs counter to that imperative. What we need is an authentic people’s constitution that genuinely reflects our diversity and safeguards the autonomy of state governments.”
A Precedent for Executive Overreach?
The declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State sets a controversial precedent, raising concerns about the increasing centralization of power in Nigeria’s democratic system. Critics argue that while the crisis in Rivers demanded intervention, the outright suspension of an elected government subverts democratic norms and raises the specter of executive overreach.
Soyinka’s intervention adds to the growing debate over the necessity and legality of Tinubu’s decision. As Nigeria continues to grapple with governance challenges, his call for constitutional reform underscores the urgent need to reassess the balance of power between the federal and state governments.
Reference
Soyinka Condemns Rivers Emergency Rule, Calls for Constitutional Reform