By Gwurld4026 
Soyinka Critiques Presidential Power: Constitution vs Federalism in Nigeria
Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has expressed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing that such actions concentrate excessive power in the presidency, which contradicts the federal principles of governance.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared the state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly. This decision was made in response to a prolonged political crisis in the state.
The presidency has responded to criticisms from figures like Soyinka and former President Goodluck Jonathan, defending the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State.
Additionally, Lanre Ogundipe, former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), labeled the state of emergency as a “misplaced priority,” suggesting that the situation could have been resolved through political means rather than suspending democratic processes.