Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the move as “excessive” and a dangerous overreach of executive power.
Soyinka’s criticism follows the political turmoil in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly by President Tinubu. The President also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator — a decision that has sparked widespread controversy and backlash.
Soyinka’s Response
In a statement released on Sunday, Soyinka argued that Tinubu’s action was disproportionate and undemocratic, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for governance in Nigeria.
“I find the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State excessive and unjustified,” Soyinka said. “Political conflicts are not new in Nigeria, but resolving them through measures that sideline constitutional order and democratic processes is deeply troubling.”
Soyinka stressed that Nigeria’s constitution provides clear guidelines for handling political disputes and that appointing a sole administrator undermines the will of the people and the integrity of the electoral process.
“The solution to a political crisis cannot be the removal of an elected governor and the appointment of an unelected administrator,” Soyinka stated. “It is an insult to the democratic process and a dangerous precedent for future conflicts.”
Violation of Democratic Principles
Soyinka warned that Tinubu’s action threatens the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He argued that the crisis in Rivers State should have been resolved through dialogue and political engagement rather than executive force.
“Democracy is not about the absence of conflict but about the ability to resolve conflict through dialogue, compromise, and adherence to the rule of law,” Soyinka said. “By bypassing these principles, the President has weakened the democratic structure.”
Legal and Political Backlash
Soyinka’s statement aligns with the position of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which has also declared the state of emergency unconstitutional. NBA President Afam Osigwe argued that the constitution does not recognize the appointment of a sole administrator and called for Fubara’s immediate reinstatement.
Soyinka echoed these concerns, warning that the President’s action could trigger a constitutional crisis and further destabilize the political environment in Rivers State and beyond.
“The danger of this action is not limited to Rivers State,” Soyinka said. “If left unchecked, it could become a template for resolving political disputes across the country — through executive overreach rather than democratic engagement.”
Call for Reversal
Soyinka urged President Tinubu to reconsider his decision and work towards a political solution that respects the constitutional rights of Rivers State’s elected officials and citizens.
“The path forward is not through imposition but through negotiation and respect for democratic norms,” he stated. “Governor Fubara’s mandate comes from the people, and any attempt to undermine that mandate must be resisted.”
Conclusion
Soyinka’s remarks have added weight to the growing opposition to the state of emergency in Rivers State. His call for dialogue and political resolution reflects broader concerns about Nigeria’s democratic stability and the potential for executive overreach to undermine constitutional governance.
