WATCH THE VIDEO HERE NOBEL Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka has responded to those expecting his assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that he will speak on his own terms and not according to public pressure. Soyinka, speaking at an interview this morning, dismissed demands for his assessment, insisting that he never set a rigid timeline for such reviews. He recalled stating in December 2023 that he would assess Tinubu’s government after one year, but clarified that this did not mean he was obligated to hold a press conference immediately after May 29, 2024. “People should stop trying to work on my timetable for me. I had not swallowed an alarm clock,” Soyinka said. “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.” The professor also pointed out that many other activists, lawyers, and public figures regularly assess the government’s performance, making it a collective effort rather than his sole responsibility. “The Falanas speak consistently. The Baiyewus speak consistently. The Sowores come out and try to lead demonstrations. It’s a collective effort,” he noted. He questioned why special expectations were placed on him, emphasizing that he had never followed such a pattern in past administrations. “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?” he asked. While Tinubu’s administration faces criticism over economic challenges, inflation, and high cost of living, Soyinka maintained that he would speak when he deemed it necessary and not because of public demand.
Soyinka explains silence on Tinubu’s administration
