Soyinka’s Truth and A Double Life

by Hakeem Babalola

Soyinka speaks. Soyinka reminds Nigeria about its immediate past. Soyinka knows that, even the best minds in Nigeria is afflicted with mental aberration - of which himself included. Soyinka, who served under Babangida repressive regime, is a septuagenarian who is conversant with Nigeria even though he plies his trade between Lagos and American cities. Soyinka delves deeply into this isssue, which has gradually turned Nigerians into slavery - of hope. In restrospect, he wonders if we should have done more.

But what did he get? Insults albeit criticism. That serves him right. Iku ogun nii pa akikanju, iku odo nii pa omuwe, iku efun nii pa lekeleke (the warrior dies of war, the swimmer dies of water, whitebird dies of whitness, or alternatively you die of whatever you know how to do best). The man is too blunt; outspoken without being rude. And thus becomes the victim of his message – short memory. Interestingly none of Buhari apologists accused the noble winner of telling lies. He would soon be vindicated – definitely.

Before going further, let me warn the reader that I am with the professor in his speech against the Major-General, who once dismantled a civilian regime. Soyinka maybe quilty of double standard by serving under a military junta, but I don”t think it should be the basis for certain well-known people to dismiss him for presenting facts against an unrepentant soul. I have once criticised both men – Soyinka and Buhari – on different forum for their roles regarding Nigerian nation. 

Perhaps Soyinka should have kept quiet – at least – to appease the likes of Balarabe Musa, former governor of Kaduna State during the Second Republic; Tam David-West, Petroleum Minister under Buhari and Minister of Mines, Power and Steel under Babangida; Sonny Okosuns, popular singer; some neophyte writers whose aim is just to stir controversy and, or confusion cum publicity; and of course Tony Momoh, Buhari’s Campaign Chairman.

Balarabe, the impeached governor of former Kaduna State, thinks Soyinka is not qualified to cast aspersion on Buhari, alleging that the palywright had a worse record of human rights violations. The leader of (CNPP) Conference of Nigerian Political Party lambasts Soyinka for nurturing, supporting and sustainig Oodua Peoples Congress, which is known for its alleged terrorist activities. Balarabe concludes his argument by insinuating the reason behind Soyinka’s statement: to incite human rights organisations against Buhari.

Apart from exposing Soyinka’s criticism against Buhari’s human rights record, Balarabe affirms that Buhari constitutes the least risk compared with other presidential candidates. Including Pat Utomi? He submits that, it is the same assessment that inspired him to support Obasanjo in 1999. Poor Musa.

In his own argument, Tam David-West who was humiliated and sent to jail for one year by Babangida for allegedly accepting a gold wrist watch as bribe, from a foreign business man while he was petroleum minister, posits that Soyinka is abusing his social status by peddling sentiments and prejudices. He passionately believes Buhari remains the greatest leader Nigeria ever had and could have – in terms of probity, integrity, vision, focus and commitment. Tam’s cry to heaven can yield riches.

Evangelist Sonny Okosuns in his own contribution to the development of his nation berates Soyinka for meddling in the affairs that barely concerns the literary icon. Okosuns, who has to his credit popular hits like Fire In Soweto and Liberation, says Soyinka should let the electorate decide who succeeds Obasanjo. He then frowns at Soyinka’s persistent opposition, adding that although he has done a good job, but not in the interest of the masses. “It is good to form an opposition on condition that the opposition has something to offer.” Good sermon, sir.

Buhari himself says Soyinka’s outburst uncalled for since he (Buhari) is now a democrat ready to work according to the dictates of a civilian dispensation. He believes Soyinka’s aim is mainly to stop him from becoming president in 2007, adding that the author must have been recruited by some undemocratic elements in the country. Buhari specifically frowns at Soyinka’s selective facts to justify his position without mentioning any of his achievements. The General “democrat” would like “our literary pride” to “weigh the good, the bad, and the ugly so that those we lead may be properly advised on what path to take in their striving to secure a more tolerable future for themselves and their offspring,” he says. Sir, you sound like a role player.

The above voices are the very reason why Nigeria will continue to yearn for credible leaders until eternity. The unfortunate as well as funny thing about those lampooning Soyinka over his outburst is, they are the very ones who would first chastise Buhari immediately he assumes office. Their cry is similar to what they did in 1999 regarding Obasanjo. They accepted OBJ thinking turbulence of life, especially prison would have removed dictator tendencies in him. They should know better now. What do they really want? Because their thinking is zigzag. I am sure they want Buhari not because of Buhari’s virtues but because they want to fight Obasanjo’s infliction. They would rather rally round unrepentant coup plotter in order to get even than support a Pat Utomi, the most credible so far. They accuse Soyinka of prejudices whereas they themselves have been showing their own prejudices along the way.

I am a bit disappointed in our supposed democrats now defending a man who ruled with tempestous soul, but their response has only showed their double life; so instead of anger, it’s pity. I feel for them. As for Tony Momoh, Minister of Information under Babangida, there is no point in taking him seriously because he is simply doing his job as the Director of Buhari’s organisation campaign.

What about those hungry writers seeking attention by all means? They escaped brutality at home to hide in Bushland where they embrace whatever is American including "enjoyment", yet they fail to embrace the truth that their Major-General is a danger to Nigerian society. Some writers are just making an ass of themselves by defending Buhari whilst they compare other dictators to armed robber. Instead of talking about how to inject new policy and policy makers like Pat Utomi into our affairs, they are busy defending a man whose rugged past would soon catch up with him...Democrazy indeed!

The literary professor should have kept quiet like he did when the incumbent president was in the same position as Buhari in 1999. He should have left Nigerians with their short memory – of history. He should not have woken Nigerians from their dangerous blissful sleep. He should have left us with our mental slavery. He should have left us with our damned cheeks. He should have in fact, let Nigerians enjoy the brutal mind of President Buhari once more...But his conscience won’t let him.

Unfortunately it is the same people that would call for the head of this noble winner for a strong silence against unprogressive souls when their hero takes the path of the incumbent president – unmistakably contempt for Nigerians, and arrogance. But he is too wise to continue living a double life like his critics. 

@2007

mysmallvoice@yahoo.com

Robot  Villager

# 1 The ...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 20.01.2007 07:58

AreOna  JJC

# 2 Thank you for this piece. It is the only sensible essay I have seen all week relating to Soyinka recent press conference. Alas there is still some sanity in the village square. I almost gave up last night reading some of the vituperation poured on the person of Soyinka. You would think the man did more than remind Nigerians of the danger of overlooking very serious issues about Buhari. Some commentators were down right nasty. Wannabe writers/commentators have been falling over themselves to outdo one another in castigating Soyinka perhaps with the hope that it will make them look smart. One even said Soyinka was lacking in the brightness of mind. Haba! Kongi was right when he said that Nigerian leaders/rulers need psychiatric assessment. Perhaps the problems that afflict our rulers afflict many of the subjects too (many choose to be subjects rather than citizens). The vituperation poured on Soyinka this week proofs it. Posted by AreOna| 20.01.2007 20:34

busanga  Villager

# 3 =AreOna;150126>Thank you for this piece. It is the only sensible essay I have seen all week relating to Soyinka recent press conference. Alas there is still some sanity in the village square. I almost gave up last night reading some of the vituperation poured on the person of Soyinka. You would think the man did more than remind Nigerians of the danger of overlooking very serious issues about Buhari. Some commentators were down right nasty. Wannabe writers/commentators have been falling over themselves to outdo one another in castigating Soyinka perhaps with the hope that it will make them look smart. One even said Soyinka was lacking in the brightness of mind. Haba! Kongi was right when he said that Nigerian leaders/rulers need psychiatric assessment. Perhaps the problems that afflict our rulers afflict many of the subjects too (many choose to be subjects rather than citizens). The vituperation poured on Soyinka this week proofs it. Nonsense. And suddenly people are no longer citizens because they refuse to agree with your viewpoints? It is democracy, Prof. Soyinka has a right to his view as much as any other person has a right to disagree with him. Indeed, if anything no one needs to undergo a pyschiatric check up - not even Buhari, Kongi or yourself. It is absolutely normal for people to disagree. It is wrong for Kongi to have come up with that absurd position - because in politics there are no permanent friends there are only permanent interests. Case in point, why will Pa Awo seek a progressive alliance immediately after the 79 elections with Zik his arch rival and head of state in a government when he was unjustifiably jailed? It is called interest and has nothing to do with friendship or the baggage of history that goes with it. Apparently, Kongi is not a politician. Posted by busanga| 20.01.2007 22:03

AreOna  JJC

# 4 And so because Kongi is not a politician, he has no right to his comments. Busanga you seem to miss the point albeit on purpose. The type of vituperation poured on Soyinka was without logic and substance. Of course people have the right to disagree but I beg to say what we have just seen was not just a disagreement with Soyinka view point but a public execution style attack. Thank you for saying my comment was nonsense. Am I suprised? No. Thank goodness you know it is democracy Posted by AreOna| 20.01.2007 22:18

busanga  Villager

# 5 =AreOna;150144>And so because Kongi is not a politician, he has no right to his comments. Busanga you seem to miss the point albeit on purpose. The type of vituperation poured on Soyinka was without logic and substance. Of course people have the right to disagree but I beg to say what we have just seen was not just a disagreement with Soyinka view point but a public execution style attack. Thank you for saying my comment was nonsense. Am I suprised? No. Thank goodness you know it is democracy And again the point seems to be lost on you. Kongi made a case against Buhari bid for the presidency and in the process used a brush to paint all his supporters i.e. people that need their brains examined (I happen to ambivalent about Buhari's presidency by the way) . Now will it not appear to be being paid back in his own coin if he were attacked personally? I am surprise that people wanting to defend the prof even at the very least suggest he not be attacked personally when indeed his stop press article was about attacking one man and his supporters personally. If you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. But do not use the pedigree of one man to promote your agenda of Babaism. We have had enough of hero worshipping in Nigeria. Let the substantive matter under discussion be discussed by all free from intelectual intimidation or name calling. Again, no one need their heads examined. Posted by busanga| 21.01.2007 14:40

UglyMan  Villager

# 6 A sensible essay. It is written in an easy to understand way.Good write up. Long Live our country. Posted by UglyMan| 15.02.2007 23:22