By Titilope Adako
Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has criticised the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing it as an excessive use of presidential power.
Speaking to an international news outlet, Soyinka condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, arguing that it undermines federalism and sets a dangerous precedent.
He faulted Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution for concentrating too much power in the presidency and called for a national dialogue to address the over-centralisation of governance.
“If it is constitutionally right, then I think it is about time we sat down and amended the constitution to make sure it operates as a genuine federal entity,” Soyinka said.
He insisted that Fubara should be in court if there are legitimate concerns rather than being unilaterally suspended.
Soyinka warned that the federal government’s overbearing influence on state matters threatens Nigeria’s pluralistic nature.
“The government is over-centralised. 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 stated.
He stressed that the rule of law should take precedence over political manoeuvres, maintaining that Fubara’s suspension was unwarranted.
“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 added.
Soyinka reiterated his call for a national conference to establish a constitution that truly reflects federalism.
“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 to really accord ourselves an authentic people’s constitution. Right now, in principle, this action is against the federal imperative,” he said.
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