Renowned Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, stating that it undermines the spirit of federalism.

Tinubu imposed emergency rule on Tuesday, citing political instability in the oil-rich state. He also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State Assembly for an initial period of six months, appointing Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.Speaking to The Africa Report, Soyinka argued that Nigeria’s constitution grants the president excessive powers, making the country’s federal system more centralized than it should be.“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.

Soyinka further questioned the wisdom of Tinubu’s decision, suggesting that a true federal system should prevent such unilateral actions.

“The debate will go on whether this 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.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/soyinka-criticizes-tinubus-emergency-rule-in-rivers-calls-for-constitutional-reform/