Politics

Soyinka Criticizes President Tinubu’s Speech and Handling of Protests

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 4th, 2024.

Soyinka Criticizes President Tinubu’s Speech and Handling of Protests

Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent national address concerning the ongoing protests across Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Soyinka expressed his dismay at the government’s response to the protests, pointing out that while the presidential address detailed the administration’s efforts since its start, it inadequately addressed the management of the protests themselves.

Soyinka condemned the use of live ammunition and tear gas against peaceful demonstrators, labeling these tactics as a “regression” that harks back to colonial-era methods of oppression.

Soyinka remarked, “I set my alarm to ensure I did not miss President Bola Tinubu’s eagerly anticipated address on the national unrest. Although the address highlighted the government’s efforts to prevent such crises, my primary concern remains the worsening state management of protests, an area where the address was notably deficient.

“The government’s inadequate response emboldens security forces to act with impunity, perpetuating a cycle of resentment and retaliation. Using live bullets in response to peaceful protests is the central issue. Even the use of tear gas is questionable in many cases, particularly when dealing with nonviolent demonstrations. Hunger marches are a global call for help, not unique to Nigeria. They signal that a breaking point has been reached and test the government’s awareness of public desperation. The tragic response to recent hunger marches represents a disturbing regression, moving the nation back to pre-independence, colonial-era disdain.

“This approach mirrors the past, reminiscent of the colonial-era oppression depicted in Hubert Ogunde’s folk opera, *Bread and Bullets*, which faced persecution by the colonial government.”

Soyinka also criticized the national security agencies for not learning from more progressive models of policing. He noted, “Do we need to revisit the 2022/23 Yellow Vest protests in France? None of the coverage showed police using firearms against protesters, even in confrontational situations. The deployment of bullets in response to demands for basic necessities is a troubling sign of regression and can lead to even greater unrest