Renowned Nobel Laureate and academic, Prof. Wole Soyinka, declared a unique approach to assessing President Tinubu’s administration during a courtesy visit in Lagos. Soyinka disclosed that he would withhold judgment until one year into Tinubu’s tenure, allowing the President time to “make up” for any challenges faced.
During the visit, Soyinka expressed his longstanding policy of refraining from scrutinizing heads of state in their first year, acknowledging the complex task of rebuilding.
He emphasized, “They often start even lower than ground zero and they have to make up.”
Soyinka hinted at a seven-point agenda discussed with President Tinubu, keeping the details undisclosed. The literary icon’s visit had a personal touch as he revealed it was somewhat “embarrassing” due to their last meeting five years ago, where he had urged Tinubu not to run for office.
Reflecting on the past advice given to both Tinubu and Atiku to make way for younger leaders, Soyinka stated, “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.”
As the nation anticipates the outcome of President Tinubu’s first year in office, Prof. Wole Soyinka’s reserved evaluation promises to provide insightful commentary on the administration’s progress.