NOBEL Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, has decried attempts by Nigerians to dictate when he should evaluate President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying external pressures would not influence his decision or timing.
Speaking on a television programme on Monday, March 24, monitored by thecardinal.ng, Soyinka said he would share his thoughts only when he finds it necessary and has substantial points to address, rather than conforming to the dictates of some Nigerian or a fixed timeline, such as the President’s one-year milestone in office.
He urged Nigerians not to impose a schedule on him, noting that he would speak on the government when he deemed it appropriate. “People should stop trying to work on my timetable for me.
“I had not swallowed an alarm clock. I don’t see why I should put my alarm on and say, ‘One year has passed, now, I must make an assessment,’ if there is nothing I feel like talking about and if I am busy elsewhere.”
On December 24, last year, Soyinka visited Tinubu at his Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, where when confronted by journalists, said he would withhold judgment until after a full year had passed.
He stated: “This business of ‘you haven’t come to do this,’ I don’t understand it. Other people are doing the same; this is a collective effort.
“The Falanas speak consistently. The Baiyewus speak consistently. The Sowores come out and try to lead demonstrations. It’s a collective effort.
“The one year is up, which means you have a right and I have a responsibility to respond when you call me on certain issues. But if you are saying that I would call a press conference and say, ‘One year is up, let us now make an assessment.’
“The only question I’d ask you is: ‘Did I do that with Jonathan?’ Did I do that with Buhari?’ ‘Did I do that with Obasanjo?’ ‘Did I do that with anybody? So, why is it expected of me?
“All it means is that one year is up. If I am around, and you want to get hold of me, I would speak. That’s all that statement meant.”
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