Soyinka: I Was in Trenches with Tinubu, But Will Criticise Him When Necessary

Renowned playwright and Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, yesterday said that he would assess the Bola Tinubu-led administration when his self-imposed moratorium expires, starting from some of the president's aides, whom he said should be facing anti-graft agencies.

Speaking on Channels Television, the writer who was answering a question on whether his decisions to not criticise Tinubu was because of their closeness during the fight against the military, stated that it won't stop him from talking when the time comes.

He alleged that some elected government officials who hid under the cover of immunity previously are currently serving as top officials under the current government, vowing to beam his searchlight on such politicians at the right time.

Soyinka who described Tinubu as a “doughty fighter” during the military era, stated that some of his aides should be facing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

According to the human rights activist, although somebody's record must always be taken to account, which is done even in the courts, it shouldn't blur anyone's sense of right and wrong.

Soyinka had during a visit to

Tinubu in his Bourdillion residence in highbrow Ikoyi area of the state, stated that he was withholding his assessment of the current administration until Tinubu's first-year anniversary in office.

“In addition, I wish to say this: It doesn't mean that I won't even open my mouth on critical issues. For instance, if tomorrow we find out that 200 plus or 300 plus children, pupils have been abducted, obviously, that's too momentous an event, that I won't keep quiet about or not contribute something towards.

“First of all, Tinubu was a fighter during the anti- Sani Abacha struggle and there is no way as a human being and as a one with a sense of fairness... the law recognises the fact that somebody's record must always be taken into account before you descend on that person for some kind of neglect, criminality, failure, whatever.

“However, I can never allow the past achievement of any individual to twist my appeal for any urgent issue. I cannot say because you were a fighter during the NADECO struggle, therefore I will sit down and watch you condone corruption.

“For instance, when it is time we're going to look at those, for me, when it's that time, those in his government, who should be under trial right now yet occupy critical positions in the ruling party. Continues online