State of Emergency: Soyinka faults Tinubu over Fubara's suspension

The Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has faulted the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and the state's house of Assembly for six months.

President Bola Tinubu had declared a State of Emergency in the state over the protracting political crisis rocking the state between the governor and the 27 Lawmakers loyal to minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Soyinka, who made the reservation while reacting to the declaration to an international news outlet, The Africa Report, said the declaration of a state of emergency betrayed federalism.

The Nobel Laurel explained that the 1999 constitution gives too much power to the president.

The Playwright added that there was the need for a national discussion on the matter.

“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.”

Soyinka further stated that Nigeria must hold a national conference to change the country’s foundation, 

“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.”