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Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, has rejected suggestions for him to evaluate President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating he will express his views when he finds it appropriate.
The esteemed playwright, who had previously suggested he would assess Tinubu’s government after one year in power, clarified that he is not obligated to any specific timeframe.
In an interview on a Television’s programme monitored by Rocketparrot News, Soyinka stressed that he would only provide his assessment when he feels it's warranted and has meaningful insights to share, disregarding the idea that he should follow a set schedule, such as the one-year mark of Tinubu’s presidency.
“People need to stop trying to impose their agendas on me. I haven't set an alarm clock for myself. I don’t see the need to trigger a reminder and say: ‘One year has passed, now, I must evaluate’ unless I have something to say and am not preoccupied with other matters.”
Soyinka met Tinubu in Lagos in December 2023, where he mentioned he would hold off on comments about the administration until May 2024.
As critics hold Tinubu’s government responsible for economic difficulties, increasing inflation, and a high cost of living, many anticipated Soyinka to address these concerns.
However, he maintained that the evaluation of a government should be a collective responsibility, highlighting the roles of voices like Femi Falana, Olusegun Baiyewu, and Omoyele Sowore in critiquing the administration.
“This idea of ‘you haven't done this yet’, I don't get it. Others are voicing their opinions too; it's a joint effort. The Falanas consistently speak out. The Baiyewus consistently contribute. The Sowores engage in demonstrations. It's a collaborative endeavor.
“The one-year mark does not automatically grant you the prerogative and me the duty to react when you call me regarding specific matters. But if you expect me to convene a press conference and proclaim: ‘One year is gone, let us now assess’, the first question I’d pose is: ‘Did I do that with Jonathan? Did I do that with Buhari? Did I do that with Obasanjo?’ So why should I be held to that expectation?
“It simply means a year has elapsed. If I am around, and you wish to speak with me, I will do so. That’s all that statement signifies.”
Soyinka reiterated that he will express his views at his own pace, not due to outside pressure.
