Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, revealed on Sunday that he intends to reserve his assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration until May 2024, marking one year into Tinubu’s tenure.
Expressing his personal policy, Soyinka emphasized the significance of allowing the President a year to compensate for any initial setbacks, stating that this delay offers Tinubu the opportunity to “make up” for any lost ground.
During a courtesy visit to the President, who is presently on holiday in Lagos, Soyinka articulated his perspective, noting, “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,” he explained while discussing his approach.
Soyinka, referring to the visit as “embarrassing,” disclosed that he presented a seven-point agenda to the President, choosing not to disclose the specifics.
Recalling their previous interaction, he mentioned attempting to dissuade both Tinubu and Atiku from contesting elections to pave the way for younger leaders.
On a different note, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, echoed a message of patience, endorsing the ongoing economic reforms initiated by Tinubu.
He highlighted the courage in unifying the exchange rate and eliminating what he termed a costly subsidy, despite acknowledging the challenges these policies might pose to a population where over 60 percent live below the poverty line.
Otti emphasized that while the immediate effects might not be straightforward, sustaining these policies without compromise could eventually yield a positive turnaround for the country.
