Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has dismissed external pressure to evaluate President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that he will only speak when he has something meaningful to say.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Soyinka rejected calls for him to assess Tinubu’s government strictly based on a one-year milestone, which ended on May 29, 2024.

Soyinka: ‘I Won’t Be Rushed into an Assessment’

The revered playwright and activist made it clear that Nigerians should not dictate his timeline for public commentary.

“People should stop trying to work on my timetable for me,” he remarked, responding to reminders that he had previously stated he would assess Tinubu’s leadership after a year in office.

Taking a swipe at those demanding his evaluation, Soyinka quipped, “I had not swallowed an alarm clock.” He emphasized that he would not be bound by arbitrary deadlines if he had no pressing issues to address.

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“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 Previous Stance and Tinubu’s Criticism

Soyinka had previously visited Tinubu’s residence in Bourdillon, Ikoyi, on December 24, 2023. When asked for his views on Tinubu’s governance since assuming office on May 29, 2023, he deferred judgment until the completion of a full year.

Meanwhile, critics have blamed Tinubu’s administration for economic hardship, pointing to record-high inflation and a soaring cost of living as key failures of his government.

‘Why Single Me Out?’ – Soyinka Questions Expectations

The literary icon challenged the notion that he must speak on Tinubu’s leadership anniversary, pointing out that other activists, including Femi Falana (SAN), Sowore, and Baiyewu, have been vocal about the government’s shortcomings.

• “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,” he argued.
• Soyinka further questioned why Nigerians expected him to make a formal evaluation of Tinubu when he had not done the same for past presidents.
• “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?”

Soyinka’s Position: A Matter of Timing

While acknowledging that Tinubu’s one-year milestone gives the public the right to ask questions, Soyinka insisted that he would only respond when he deemed it necessary.

“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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What’s Next?

With the economic and political climate in Nigeria under intense scrutiny, many Nigerians are eager to hear Soyinka’s verdict on Tinubu’s leadership. However, as the elder statesman has made clear—he will speak, but only when the time is right.

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