According to Report, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has firmly rejected any attempts by Nigerians to dictate when he should assess President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government.
In a candid statement, Soyinka emphasized that he would share his evaluation only when he finds it necessary, not in response to arbitrary deadlines or external pressure.
Soyinka made these remarks during an appearance on Channels Television's The Morning Brief programme on Monday.
Addressing concerns about the one-year milestone of Tinubu's presidency, which is set to be marked on May 29, 2024, Soyinka made it clear that he would not be bound by the demands of others to evaluate the president at that time.
"People should stop trying to work on my timetable for me," Soyinka said, dismissing calls for a public assessment of Tinubu's first year in office. "I had not swallowed an alarm clock," he added, highlighting his refusal to be pressured into following a schedule set by others.
The Nobel laureate went on to explain, "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."
Soyinka's comments reflect his deep commitment to intellectual independence, stressing that his evaluations will come only when he deems them necessary and meaningful.
While critics have been vocal about Tinubu's administration, especially over economic mismanagement, high inflation, and the rising cost of living, many Nigerians had hoped for Soyinka's assessment at the one-year mark.
However, Soyinka emphasized that a number of other prominent voices, including lawyers and activists, have already spoken out on the issues.
He framed the evaluation of any government as a collective responsibility, rather than a task for any one individual.
"This business of 'you haven't come to do this,' I don't understand it," Soyinka said.
"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 scholar also pointed out that he had not offered similar assessments of previous administrations at set intervals.
"Did I do that with Jonathan? Did I do that with Buhari? Did I do that with Obasanjo? So, why is it expected of me?" Soyinka asked, underlining that he would speak when he had meaningful observations to make.
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