Wole Soyinka Slams Emergency Declaration in Rivers, Calls It Anti-Federalism

Renowned Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has criticized the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a violation of the federal principle.

Speaking with The Africa Report, Soyinka stated that the action taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers—contradicts the spirit of federalism.

He emphasized that the 1999 Constitution grants excessive powers to the President, calling for a national dialogue to restructure the country’s governance framework.

“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,” Soyinka said.

He further argued that Nigeria’s over-centralized system is unsuitable for a pluralistic society, stressing the need for a national conference to create an authentic people’s constitution.

“The federal spirit of association is a cardinal principle, and for that reason, some of us have called again and again for a national conference,” he added.

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