Toba Owojaiye reporting
Ikoyi, Lagos
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka paid a courtesy visit to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos, who is currently on holiday. Despite previously advising Tinubu against running for office, Soyinka clarified that his visit aimed to observe the President’s progress and convey Christmas wishes.
Adhering to a personal stance, Soyinka declared his intention to withhold observations on Tinubu’s administration until one year into his tenure in May 2024. Stressing the importance of allowing leaders time to overcome initial challenges, Soyinka emphasized the need to provide space for addressing issues and implementing their agenda.
Reflecting on his past attempt to dissuade Tinubu from running for office, Soyinka characterized the visit as “embarrassing.” He shared, “Actually, it’s an embarrassing visit because when I visited him the last time, it was to try and persuade him not to run for office. I told Atiku and himself to please leave the ground so young people could run. That’s the last time we met about five years ago. So I came to see how he was doing after ignoring my advice. I came to see how both he and his wife were weathering Nigeria, and to wish them a Happy Christmas.”
During the visit, Soyinka engaged in a comprehensive discussion, introducing a seven-point agenda. Expressing genuine curiosity about Tinubu’s experiences in leading Nigeria, Soyinka extended Christmas greetings to the President and his wife.
Truth Live News gathered that Soyinka reiterated his commitment to the one-year observation policy, stating, “Well, you know, something you may have noticed about me is that most heads of state, when they take office, I always leave them alone for about the first year… Because they need time.
“I know when they come in, they don’t start from ground zero. They often start even lower than ground zero and they have to make up. So, I’m adopting the same principle this time. When you see me next year, ask the same question again and listen to my answer.”
In a separate visit, Soyinka referred to Sunday’s appearance as an “embarrassing visit,” disclosing that he approached Tinubu with a seven-point agenda. While details of the discussion were not revealed, Soyinka acknowledged the thoroughness of the conversation.