Bola Afolabi
Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has reacted to the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara , alongside the state’s lawmakers as part of the state of emergency President Bola Tinubu declared there.
According to the revered writer, the declaration is against the spirit of federalism.
The Nobel laureate, who spoke to an international news outlet, The Africa Report, said the declaration of a state of emergency in the manner with which it was carried out betrayed federalism.
According to Soyinka, the 1999 constitution gives too much power to the president, saying there was the need for a national discussion on the matter.
He 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.”
He stated that Nigeria must hold a national conference to change the country’s foundation, adding, “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.”
