Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka has condemned the suspension of elected officers in Rivers State, saying the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State was against democratic principles.
The suspension of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declaration of State of emergency is fundamentally against the spirit of Federalism, Soyinka says.
The veteran activist and Noble Laureate calls for Nigerian Constitution to be revised to limit the President’s power.
He said; “If it is constitutionally right, then I think it is about time we sat down and amend the Constitution to make sure that it operates as genuine federal entity.
“The government is over centralized. 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 pluralistic society like ours. This is fundamental principle I have always held”.
According to Soyinka, Nigeria must held a national conference to change the the country’s foundation.
“The federal spirit of association is a cardinal principle and for that reason, some of us have called again and again for national conference to really accord ourselves and authentic people’s constitution.
“Right now, in principle, this action is against federal imperative”, he said.
-9News Nigeria.
