Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka has raised concerns over the potential candidacy of Peter Obi in the next presidential election, expressing skepticism about Obi’s leadership capabilities and the competence of his team to govern Nigeria effectively.
In a recent interview with Noble Nigeria, Soyinka criticized the actions of the Labour Party leadership during the last election, asserting that they exhibited traits of incompetence and were ill-suited to lead the nation, as reported by Sahara Reporters.
Soyinka’s remarks shed light on the contentious dynamics within Nigerian politics, particularly regarding the qualifications and suitability of aspiring political leaders.
Soyinka, a renowned literary icon, accused Obi of exerting control over online trolls who engaged in derogatory attacks against him and other prominent figures critical of the Labour Party’s campaign strategies.
Referring to Obi’s supporters as ‘Obidients’ on social media platforms like X, Soyinka expressed dismay over the orchestrated nature of the insults directed towards him.
“It has to do with education. I didn’t read all these insults by Obidient Movement, but of course, some links were sent to me… When I read these things, I was disgusted… There’s no other word for it. I really was disgusted and I know that it was orchestrated,” Soyinka remarked during the interview.
“I know that there is a relay mechanism, which is triggered into action by those who control what we call the trolls of the Internet, and so my disgust and contempt.
“I just went about my business, you know, because nobody, anybody on this earth who thinks they can stop me telling the truth as I see it needs to have his or her head examined. It’s as elementary as that,” he continued.
Despite facing relentless attacks from Obi’s supporters, Soyinka remained resolute in his commitment to truth and integrity, emphasizing the futility of attempts to silence him.
Reflecting on the broader implications of online trolling and its implications for political leadership, Soyinka warned of the dangers of fostering a culture of intolerance and incivility among the youth.
Soyinka said, “But it is depressing to see those who wanted to be political leaders encouraging that kind of action, that kind of attitude in the youth.
“And my mind went to the expression, ‘They don’t know what they’re doing’. Those who sow the wind will reap the whirlwind.”
He lamented the negative influence of political leaders who condone such behavior, arguing that it reflects their incompetence to lead a diverse and multi-textured society like Nigeria.
“One of these days, they would be astonished, they would turn on them and teach them a lesson. And so, my attitude was very blasé and it is for me a sad phenomenon, especially for those who want to lead multi-textured (society)- different religions, different ethnic groups, different worldviews – who actually want to preside over such a group as one.
“It means that they have already declared themselves incompetent to lead such an entity,” Soyinka remarked.
Regarding Peter Obi’s potential candidacy in the next presidential election, Soyinka expressed hope that Obi would not seek to contest, citing concerns about his leadership conduct and the negative impact it had on the political landscape.
“I hope for the sake of the nation that he doesn’t express interest in the next election because for me as a leader, if there was any proof that he was unfit to lead that country, it’s in the conduct which he encouraged among his followers,” Soyinka concluded. …CONTINUE READING
