Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it excessive and a violation of federal principles.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, Soyinka questioned the wisdom behind the move, arguing that Nigeria’s federal system should prevent unilateral interventions by the presidency.

“If it is constitutionally right, then it is about time we sat down and amended the constitution to ensure it operates as a genuine federal entity,” he said.

Soyinka lamented that Nigeria’s system is overly centralized, giving the president too much power, which he believes is detrimental to a pluralistic society like Nigeria.

The state of emergency, declared on Tuesday night, comes amid ongoing political instability in Rivers State. As part of the directive, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State Assembly were suspended for six months. In their place, retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator of the state.

The decision has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning its necessity and legality.