Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has strongly criticized the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that the decision undermines Nigeria's federal structure.
The move, announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday, suspended all elected officials in the state and installed a sole administrator for an initial six-month period — a decision that has sparked widespread debate.
In an interview with an international news platform, as reported by *ThisDay*, Soyinka voiced his disapproval, describing the action as an overreach of presidential power, enabled by Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
“If this is constitutionally right, then it’s high time we revisited the constitution to ensure it supports true federalism,” Soyinka remarked.
The literary icon argued that the country’s governance system remains excessively centralized, which stifles the autonomy of states. He acknowledged the ongoing debate about whether the state of emergency was necessary but maintained that the decision contradicts the core principles of a federal structure.
“The constitution concentrates too much power in the hands of the president,” Soyinka added. “For a diverse, pluralistic society like Nigeria, this is not an ideal system. It’s a longstanding concern I’ve always voiced.”
Calling for a national dialogue, Soyinka reiterated the need for a comprehensive review of the nation’s constitution, emphasizing that Nigeria requires an “authentic people’s constitution” that reflects the true spirit of federalism.
“The federal principle of unity and mutual agreement is essential. That’s why some of us continue to demand a national conference to lay the groundwork for a genuinely representative constitution. This current action, in essence, contradicts the very idea of a federal nation,” he concluded.
Soyinka’s remarks have added to growing calls for constitutional reform, as critics argue that the president’s sweeping powers risk eroding democratic processes and state autonomy.
Watch video below..
Tinubu’s Suspension Of Governor Fubara Is Over-excessive Use Of Power; Fubara Should Be In Court Now —Wole Soyinka
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) March 23, 2025
Credit: @channelstv
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