Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka criticized the announcement of the National Emergency in Hezhou. President Bola Tinubu announced that the move contradicts the principle of federalism.
Tinubu announced emergency rule in oil-rich states on Tuesday, March 19, citing political instability. As part of the directive, he suspended the first six months of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Lt. Governor Ngozi ODU, and all members of the state legislature. The president also appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole executive.
Talk to it Africa ReportSoyinka argues that the Nigerian constitution granted too much power to the president and called for emergency constitutional reforms.
“If that’s right, then I think it’s time for us to sit down and revise the Constitution to ensure it works as a true federal entity,” Soyinka said.
He pointed out that the centralization of federal power undermines the spirit of the federal system and questioned the wisdom of the emergency declaration.
He added: “The government is overly biased. Whether the debate will continue (the state of emergency) is a wise decision first, but in terms of basic principles, I think it is against the spirit of the Federal Association.”
Soyinka further argued that Nigeria’s current governance system was not ideal for a diverse society, emphasizing that the Constitution focused too much authority on the presidency.
“I find that the Constitution gives too much power in the hands of the president. The system we are operating now is not the basic principle I have always held for a diverse society like ours.”
The famous playwright also reiterated his long-standing call for a national conference, which he believes will pave the way for adopting the “Real People’s Constitution.”
“The spirit of the Federal Association is the fundamental principle … in principle, this action is directed at federal requirements,” Soyinka said.
