ABUJA, Nigeria – Renowned Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has expressed strong disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that it undermines the principles of federalism in Nigeria.
President Tinubu imposed the emergency rule on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, citing escalating political instability in the oil-rich state. A
longside the declaration, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, was appointed as the state’s sole administrator.
In an interview with The Africa Report, Soyinka criticised the move, stating that it exposes the excessive powers granted to the president by Nigeria’s constitution, making the nation’s federal system overly centralised.
“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.
The esteemed playwright and activist questioned the rationale behind Tinubu’s decision, pointing out that a true federal system would typically 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.
Soyinka reiterated his long-standing call for a national conference to address what he sees as systemic issues in Nigeria’s governance structure.
“The system we are operating right now is not the best for a pluralistic society like ours. The federal spirit of association is a cardinal principle… right now, in principle, this action is against the federal imperative,” he said.
The latest comments from Soyinka add to the growing debate surrounding Tinubu’s emergency declaration in Rivers State and its potential impact on Nigeria’s democratic processes and governance.
