By Abiola Olawale
The recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has sparked a firestorm of reactions across Nigeria, with Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka finding himself at the centre of a heated controversy and massive social media attacks for alleged double-Speaking and acting in tongue-in check.
This is as some Nigerians have taken to social media to criticize Soyinka, a literary icon for what they call “doublespeak” and “tongue-in-cheek” commentary on the emergency rule declaration in Rivers State.
Soyinka, known for his sharp critiques of governance and unwavering defence of democratic principles,was seen as not condemning Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule as he did in the case of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former president Goodluck Jonathan, respectively. That was when during the administration of the the two former presidents, respectively.
Some analysts accused Soyinka of being a hypocrite in his later days, especially under the Tinubu’s administration.
While trying to rationalize what he called a President’s descretional powers, he merely said the action if Tinubu was “excessive” and a betrayal of federalism in a statement earlier today.
Speaking with the media, the literary icon argued that the move, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers, concentrates too much power in the hands of the presidency, undermining Nigeria’s federal structure. To many, he didn’t criticize Tinubu’s action, rather he sought to heap blame on federalism, triggering questions by some in social media: ” Is it not the same constitution and federalism that however had during Jonathan, and yet you Soyinka took to the streets against Jonathan? This is an action of a hypocrite.”
Soyinka had feebly said: “If it is constitutionally right, then it’s about time we amend the constitution to ensure it operates as a genuine federal entity.”
However, his stance has drawn sharp rebuke from a cross-section of Nigerians who accuse him of inconsistency.
Many have pointed to his past support for strong federal actions during moments of national crisis, questioning why he now appears to shift gears.
“Soyinka praised Tinubu’s decisiveness during the campaign, but now that the shoe is on the other foot, he’s singing a different tune,” said Chidi Okoye, a political analyst.
“Soyinka’s tongue must be tired from all that cheeky twisting—federalism today, central power tomorrow,” said @NaijaVoice247 on X.
Another user, @RiversPatriot posted, “Emergency rule is bad, but only when it’s not Soyinka’s friends calling the shots. Someone check his old scripts for consistency!”
