My Naija News - Professor Wole Soyinka: A Noble Act by a Nobel Laurette

You are here:Home

Opinion

Professor Wole Soyinka: A Noble Act by a Nobel Laurette

Thursday, 11 October 2007

We commend the act portrayed by Nigeria?s respected Nobel Laurette, Prof. Wole Soyinka for shunning the 'prestigious' Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company's prize for Literature at the MUSON centre Lagos, on October 7, 2007. Also, are some members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (NAN), who boycotted the award in compliance with the call by our Nobel Laurette. But before you start blowing the trumpet of condemnation as regards his actions, one needs to look at his cogent reasons.
Soyinka's actions were hinged on the fact that NLNG invited amongst other heads of state, General Ibrahim Babangida to give the keynote address the audience of what is believed to be a get-together of well respected academicians and intellectuals of great repute in the country.

Despite the fact that other former heads of state; General Yakubu Gowon and Chief Ernest Shonekan were invited, Prof. Wole Soyinka was particular against the invitation of Gen. Babangida not to speak more of his keynote address. One may ask, what in the world can a personality like Babangida have to offer to intellectually minded Nigerians on such an occasion? What has the military got to do with literature? Of all citizens of the country, why should NLNG, a subsidiary of Shell (SPDC) give such a sensitive assignment to a man, whose track record in the history of this country has left scars, wounds that our present leaders are still battling with?

Honestly, the name Babangida wherever mentioned send cold shivers down the spines of Nigerians, especially the common masses. His reign in the seat of power for eight (8) years is bedeviled and characterised with corruption, stringent policies, especially the introduction of Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), devaluation of the nation's currency, annulment of June 12 election which was adjudged the fairest election in the history of Nigeria and on and on and on.

As far as we are concerned, there is nothing good that came out of his years of governance. With his decrees, he has clothed the Nigerian populace with untold hardship, neglect of the Niger Delta region, looting of public funds that were meant to ease the lives of the ordinary Nigerian man. To think that after all this, he tried to come back into the circle of power in our present democratic dispensation. But we believe our faith as Nigerians is in the hands of God and Nigerians themselves. The unfortunate thing is that Nigerians are yet to wake up from their slumber.

In a country where public rogues in a façade of past leaders are treated as heroes, rather than condemn their ill-gotten wealth. We come out with shouts of praise, with misguided admiration simply because of ephemeral gains we might get from them. Nobody cares how they got their wealth; all that is showcased is our egocentric self gain. Besides, one should ask, why should Nigerians (presumed to be giants of Africa) suffer in the midst of plenty? It?s simply because the likes of Babangida as leaders are honoured rather than condemned and brought to book to pay-back. That is why we support the action displayed by Prof. Wole Soyinka as a worthy act of true patriotism. And we are glad that some Nigerians as members of NAN responded adequately. It shows that all hopes are not lost when it comes to Nigerians finding their foot to resist some of these things that go unnoticed by many. Nigerians should develop the courage and come out of the shackles of poverty, ignorance and follow the steps taken by Prof. Wole Soyinka.

This should send a strong message to other corrupt leaders, both past and present, that every of their act does not go unnoticed by Nigerians.

The initiative for the awards in Literature by NLNG is an excellent one. But one may ask: what are the motives of NLNG, a subsidiary of Shell? If NLNG could invite such a personality like Babangida to deliver a keynote address, it means they are promoting corruption. As a matter of fact, other corporate organisations, both the multinationals should learn from this, else, they will be sending the wrong impressions to Nigerians and the international community.

It might interest you to know that Professor Soyinka advised NLNG against the invitation of the retired General to give the keynote address. Rather than heed to his advice they went on with the show of shame. One should expect that in the circle of such award, where men and women of great reputation, worthy of emulation are gathered to honour intellectuals. A well respected individual in the society which are abound everywhere, someone of like-minds in literature or academics would have given the keynote address.

Moreso, looking at the contents of the keynote address rendered by Babangida, one would be convinced beyond reasonable doubt that it was a piece full of praises compiled for the retired general to read to his audience. As far as we are concerned, Babangida has no role to play in the event. He has nothing to do with the literature award. To think that Babangida mentioned in a separate statement that he?ll not be intimidated by Soyinka, leaves one to question his credibility and qualification to address such a sensitive gathering. Why the inferiority complex?

If Nigerians can be sincere to resist corrupt leaders like our Soyinka has done. It will invariably checkmate the public display of our corrupt leaders to stay where they belong. Besides, what has the military got to do with literature? So, the NLNG should understand that it is not all about wealth (which cannot be accounted for) but the spirit of patriotism should speak for us all. This goes to others also. Let us be sincere with ourselves.

Zik Gbemre
National Coordinator
NIGER-DELTA PEACE COALITION

Quote this article on your site | Views: 597 | Print | E-mail

Be first to comment this article

Write Comment

Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to Refresh your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code.
Name:
E-mail
Title:
Comment:
Code:*
	I wish to be contacted by email regarding additional comments