Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has criticized the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, stating that imposing a state of emergency goes against the principles of federalism.
Speaking to an international news outlet, Soyinka argued that the 1999 Constitution grants excessive power to the president, emphasizing the need for a national dialogue to address the issue.
“If the action is constitutionally valid, then it is time to amend the constitution to ensure true federalism,” he said. “The government is overly centralized, and while the debate will continue on whether this decision was wise, it fundamentally contradicts the spirit of federalism.”
Soyinka reiterated his long-standing position that Nigeria’s system of governance is unsuitable for a diverse society.
“The federal spirit of association is crucial & that’s why some of us have repeatedly called for a national conference to create an authentic people’s constitution. As it stands, this action violates federal principles,” he added.