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.
The proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has been criticized by Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka.
Such a proclamation, in his view, echoes the way the Constitution concentrated excessive authority in the presidency and contradicts the ideals of federalism.
On Tuesday, March 18, President Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers state due to the political crises and instability that has been plaguing the state.
Additionally, Tinubu placed Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and other members of the Rivers assembly, under suspension for a term of six months.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who had previously served as Chief of Naval Staff, was also appointed by Tinubu to serve as the sole administrator for a period of six months.
On Thursday, March 20, the National Assembly adopted the proclamation and gave it its final approval.
During an interview with The Africa Report, Soyinka stated that the constitution of Nigeria grants an excessive authority to the president. In his remarks regarding the constitutionality of the declaration, Soyinka stated that certain sections of the constitution require amendment
Soyinka said, “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.
“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.
“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.”
“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.”
The unlawful order in Rivers was denounced by many Nigerians, including members of the opposition and PDP governors, as well as former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Regardless of what occurs in the nation, Jonathan stated that decisions made by the executive arms of government, decisions made by the parliament, as well as the decisions made by the judiciary all have an impact on the country.
Jonathan said, “What is happening in Nigeria today regarding the situation in Rivers State is like an Indian proverb that says that if somebody is sleeping, really sleeping, you can easily wake up that person.
“But if that person is pretending to sleep, you find it difficult to wake up that person. The key actors in Nigeria, from the executive to the legislature, judiciary and the Senate and others are here.
“And the judiciary, they know the correct thing to do. But they are refusing to do it.
“They are pretending to sleep and waking such a person is extremely difficult because the person knows the right thing, a clear abuse of office and clear abuse of power cutting across from the three arms of government, from the executive to the parliament and the judiciary.”
Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, responded by saying that Soyinka and Jonathan were esteemed politicians, but that their views were subjective.