Prof Wole Soyinka responds to Obidients criticism

Prof Wole Soyinka responds to Obidients criticism: Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has spoken out against the incipient fascism in Nigeria’s political arena.

In a statement titled “Fascism on Course” on Friday, Soyinka accused political leaders of generating

a climate of fear and refusing to entertain corrective criticism. The Nobel Laureate expressed concern

over recent provocations, including the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court’s bizarre fantasy of zooming

off into space in a wheelchair for a secret meeting with other parties of the conflict.

He described the tactics of ridicule, incrimination, and intimidation as a means of undermining the

structure of justice. Soyinka ended the statement by reminding readers that justice is the first condition

of humanity.

Prof Wole Soyinka responds to Obidients criticism: the statement

Soyinka’s statement comes amid growing concerns over the state of democracy in Nigeria.

The country has been plagued by political instability, corruption, and insecurity for many years.

Despite the efforts of civil society groups and the international community, progress has been slow,

and many Nigerians feel disillusioned with their leaders.

The Nobel Laureate’s comments are particularly timely, given recent events in Nigeria. In March,

the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that it would conduct a

nationwide voter registration exercise ahead of the 2023 general elections. The move was widely seen

as a positive step towards improving the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.

Soyinka’s statement is a reminder that democracy is about more than just holding free and fair elections.

It is also about upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights of citizens, and ensuring that those

in power are accountable to the people. In Nigeria, as in many other countries, these principles are

under threat from a range of factors, including corruption, religious and ethnic tensions, and the growing

influence of extremist groups.

Despite the challenges, there are reasons for hope. Civil society groups, including human rights organizations, journalists, and activists, continue to work tirelessly to hold Nigeria’s leaders to account.

The international community has also played a role in supporting democratic reforms and promoting

human rights in the country.

Nigeria, like many other countries, faces significant challenges in this regard. However, with the right

support and a sustained commitment to democratic values, there is hope for a brighter future for all Nigerians

This content is first published on Vanguard.