Renowned Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, stating that it undermines the spirit of federalism.
Soyinka made this known while speaking to The Africa Report. He argued that Nigeria’s constitution grants the president excessive powers and such power should be revisited by amending the constitution.
“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 debate will go on whether this 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.
Soyinka reiterated his long-standing call for a national conference, which he believes would pave the way for a truly representative constitution.
“The system we are operating right now is not the best for a pluralistic society like ours. The federal spirit of association is a cardinal principle… right now, in principle, this action is against the federal imperative,” he stated.
