I find that the constitution has put too much power in the hands of the president – Soyinka reacts to Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers state

Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, stating that the move contradicts the principles of federalism.

Tinubu declared emergency rule in the oil-rich state on Tuesday, March 19, citing political instability. As part of the directive, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for an initial period of six months. The president also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.

Speaking with The Africa Report, Soyinka argued that the Nigerian constitution grants excessive powers to the president and called for urgent constitutional reforms.

“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 noted that the centralization of power in the federal government undermines the spirit of federalism and questioned the wisdom of the emergency declaration.

“The government is over-centralized. The debate will go on whether this (state of emergency) 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 further argued that Nigeria’s current system of governance is not ideal for a pluralistic society, emphasizing that the constitution concentrates too much authority in the presidency.

“I find that the constitution has put too much power in the hands of the president. The system we are operating right now is not the best for a pluralistic society like ours. That is a fundamental principle I have always held,” he said.

The renowned playwright also reiterated his long-standing call for a national conference, which he believes would pave the way for the adoption of an “authentic people’s constitution.”

“The federal spirit of association is a cardinal principle… right now, in principle, this action is against the federal imperative,” Soyinka stated.