Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
According to him, the action betrays the spirit of federalism, adding that such a declaration mirrored how the Constitution put too much power in the hands of the president.
Tribune Online reports that Tinubu, on Tuesday, declared emergency rule in the Niger Delta state, citing a protracted political crisis and instability.
In his nationwide broadcast, Tinubu also suspended state governor, Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and Rivers assembly lawmakers for an initial period of six months.
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Consequently, the president appointed a retired naval chief, Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the state’s sole administrator for the period of the emergency rule which was later endorsed by both chambers of the National Assembly.
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