SOYINKA’S OBSESSION WITH PETER OBI AND THE DISTURBING SILENCE ON THE HARDSHIP RAVAGING NIGERIANS.
By IBE CLIFF
Hardships Under Tinubu’s Administration:
1. Economic Instability: President Tinubu’s tenure has been marked by a series of poorly executed policies, leading to economic turbulence. The removal of fuel subsidies, without adequate cushioning mechanisms, has resulted in skyrocketing fuel prices, further exacerbating inflation and pushing more Nigerians into poverty.
2. Currency Devaluation: The Naira has seen a significant devaluation under Tinubu’s policies, diminishing the purchasing power of the average Nigerian and increasing the cost of imported goods.
3. Inadequate Social Safety Nets: Despite the economic challenges, there has been a lack of effective social safety nets to support the most vulnerable populations, leading to increased hardship and social unrest.
4. Unemployment and Underemployment: Job creation has not kept pace with the growing population, resulting in high levels of unemployment and underemployment, particularly among the youth.
5. Security Challenges: The administration has struggled to address the worsening security situation, with increased incidences of terrorism, banditry, and communal violence.
Wole Soyinka’s Silence on Tinubu: Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has been notably silent on these pressing issues under Tinubu’s leadership. His failure to critique the administration’s shortcomings contrasts sharply with his vocal opposition to Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate.
Soyinka’s Sustained Attacks on Obi: Soyinka has repeatedly criticized Peter Obi and his supporters, often side-lining the significant issues posed by the current administration. This has raised questions about his motivations and whether his attacks are driven by personal biases rather than objective criticism.
Failure to Hold Tinubu and Atiku Accountable: Soyinka has also refrained from holding Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar accountable for the divisive rhetoric and actions of their supporters. During the 2023 general elections, ethnic tensions in Lagos escalated due to hate speeches and inflammatory remarks from figures like MC Oluomo, Bayo Onanuga, and Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), who are affiliated with Bola Tinubu.
Ethnic Attacks on Ndigbo: The Ndigbo community in Lagos faced significant ethnic attacks, fuelled by the hate speech and ethnic slurs of prominent Tinubu supporters. These incidents have gone largely unaddressed by Soyinka, despite his history of standing against oppression and injustice.
Conclusion: The combination of economic hardship, policy missteps, and rising ethnic tensions under Tinubu’s administration has created a dire situation for many Nigerians. Soyinka’s selective silence and focus on attacking Peter Obi while ignoring the transgressions of Tinubu and his associates highlight a concerning bias. It is imperative for influential figures like Soyinka to hold all leaders accountable, irrespective of personal affiliations, to foster a fair and just society.
Amb. IBE CLIFF is a Media Analyst/Strategist and the Publisher of AFRICAN FREE PRESS.
