x

2023 Elections Completely Broken Down My Trust – Soyinka

Prof. Wole Soyinka has weighed in on the 2023 general elections and the rhetoric of political actors.

The Nobel laureate, who appeared on Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s Roadmap 2023, described the elections as “not exactly the most edifying exercise that we’ve been through.”

Stating that he was out of the country for some months, Soyinka shared his insight on the politics-speak that took hold while he was away.

“On arriving, I came in for the World Poetry Day, and immediately, I was bombarded by the most horrendous narratives both pre and after the elections,” he said.

“Since then, I’ve also read columns; I’ve seen Nigerian papers for the first time in months and I didn’t like what I read at all.

“My trust has broken down completely and even the minimum restraint that we’ve learnt to expect from seasoned politicians have been jettisoned completely.”

The literary icon noted that he preferred not to make comments on the electoral process as he was away, though he says it does not mean he was ignorant of what was happening on the home front.

In his estimation, the nation was moving towards a situation, which he says was not planned, but one that happened fortuitously where the existing mould was going to be broken.

“And the signs were there that there would be die-hard opposition to the breaking of that mould,” he said. “Elections should be keenly contested. But I still believe very much in what I call the Fashola Dictum.”

Soyinka quoted former Governor Babatunde Fashola, now Minister of Works and Housing, as once saying elections should be like festivals.

“They should be yet another aspect of the festive spirit of humanity – and this was anything but festive,” he said.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Senator Wamakko Launches Second Phase of Empowerment Program to Support Constituents

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto...

Bayelsa Launches Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Scheme

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa The Community Peace and Development Initiative...

Another Tragic Boat Accident in Sokoto Claims 6 Lives, 3 Missing, 19 Rescued

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto A tragic boat mishap occurred in...

NPA MD Dantsoho Accused of Breaching EFCC Agreement Over ₦57bn Contract Scam – Contractor

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna The Managing Director of the Nigerian...

Challenges of Street Begging: Expert Advocates Capacity-Building Training for Children

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna Development expert and philanthropist, Mr. Mohammad...

NULGE Urges L.G Workers to Double Efforts in Service Delivery

By Jabiru Hassan The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of...

President Tinubu Committed to Inclusive Prosperity for All Nigerians – Umahi

…Says South East Will Reciprocate with Support for Tinubu’s...

Bichi Pensioners Elect New Executives

By Jabiru Hassan The Bichi Local Government chapter of the...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img