Wole Soyinka Criticizes President Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers State

Wole Soyinka Criticizes President Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers State

Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that the move contradicts the principles of true federalism.

On Tuesday, March 19, President Tinubu imposed emergency rule in the oil-rich state, citing political instability. As part of the directive:

Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all state assembly members were suspended for six months.

Retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the state’s sole administrator.

Speaking with The Africa Report, Soyinka argued that Nigeria’s constitution grants excessive powers to the president, allowing decisions that undermine federalism.

> “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.