… Presidency Kicks
From Victor Osula, Abuja
Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has condemned the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State, emphasising that the dissolution of the State House of Assembly and the removal from office of Governor Similayi Fubara and his Deputy, contradicts the principles of federalism.
President Tinubu on Tuesday, declared a State of Emergency In Rivers, suspending the executive and legislature. He appointed a retired naval officer, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as administrator.
But while speaking with The Africa Report, Soyinka pointed out that the 1999 constitution grants excessive power to the president, emphasising the need for a national conversation on constitutional reforms.
Noting that if the President’s decision “is constitutionally right”, Soyinka said “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.”
Calling for a national conference to redefine Nigeria’s constitutional framework, he said, “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.”
Meanwhile, The Presidency has dismissed concerns raised against the proclamation of Emergency Rule in Rivers, insisting that the action was taken in line with constitutional provisions to prevent a total breakdown of governance.
Earlier, former President Goodluck Jonathan declared the suspension of Fubara and other elected officials in Rivers as a “clear abuse of power”.
While Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the decision was made in the best interest of both the people and the country, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, on Sunday, said that the opinion expressed by former President Goodluck Jonathan and Soyinka are personal.
He said, “Professor Wole Soyinka and former President Goodluck Jonathan are respected statesmen. Like many Nigerians who have offered varied opinions on the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, the two distinguished Nigerians have also offered their views.
“President Tinubu has a country to govern, and he has exercised his power under the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“President Tinubu has a duty to preserve Nigeria’s corporate existence. He won’t allow any part of the country or state to descend into chaos.
“The Supreme Court ruled that there is no functioning government in Rivers State known to the constitution of Nigeria. President Tinubu won’t fail in his sacred duty to protect and preserve the country.”
Ajayi also justified the appointment of retired Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ette Ibas, as sole administrator, stressing that his role was to stabilise governance until normalcy could be restored. He maintained that the measure was not intended to undermine democracy but to protect the state from further instability.
