Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has strongly criticised the recent suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, labeling it a violation of the core principles of federalism.
Speaking to The Africa Report on Saturday, 22 March, 2025, Soyinka argued that the move undermines Nigeria’s democratic foundation and reflects an over-centralisation of power in the presidency.
The controversy stems from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on 18 March, 2025, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu and all members of the state House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.
President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the state’s sole administrator, citing political instability and attacks on oil facilities as justification.
However, Soyinka contends that this action contradicts the spirit of federalism enshrined in Nigeria’s governance structure.
“The suspension of elected officers in Rivers State is against the spirit of federalism; it is wrong,” Soyinka declared.
He emphasised that the 1999 Constitution grants excessive authority to the president, a flaw he believes necessitates urgent reform. “If it is constitutionally right, then it is about time we sat down and amended the constitution to make sure it operates as a genuine federal entity,” he added.
Soyinka called for a national conference to draft a “people’s constitution” that respects the federal imperative.
The statement has sparked widespread debate, with some stakeholders, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, echoing Soyinka’s concerns.
The presidency, however, defended Tinubu’s decision as a constitutional measure to restore order.
And as Rivers State remains under emergency rule, Soyinka’s remarks have intensified calls for a reevaluation of Nigeria’s federal system, highlighting the tension between centralised authority and regional autonomy.
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