A group, Free Nigeria Movement has canvassed for boycott of Noble Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka’s books, articles, events and all public engagements that celebrate his literary achievements.
The group claimed that the Noble Laureate literary achievements as of today do not recognize the well being of the ordinary Nigerian.
Recall, Prof. Soyinka, has described Obidients as one of the most repulsive, off-putting concoctions he ever encountered in any political arena.
Obidients is a term describing supporters of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who contested the February 25 presidential election.
The elder statesman made this known in a statement on Friday titled, ‘Fascism on course (I)’.
But in an apparent reaction on Monday, the convener of Free Nigeria Movement, Dr. Moses Paul said recent comments by Prof. Soyinka is reportedly the most unfortunate and regrettable.
Specifically, he said “while we do not frown at his remarks because of any politicians, political parties or movements referenced, we do so because of his emotionless detour from the real issues of the election to pursue what appears as selective witch-hunt.
“It is on record that Prof. Soyinka never condemned the shameless episode of ethnic profiling, instigation and hate speech by elements such as Musiliu Akinsanya (a.k.a MC Oluomo), Bayo Ononuga, Femi Fani – Kayode, and a host of other atrocious persons”.
Consequently the convener of the group said “we therefore call for the boycott of his books, articles, events and all public engagements that celebrate his literary achievements which as of today do not recognize the well-being of the ordinary Nigerian. We need role models and not sell-outs”.
Continuing, Paul noted that the international community, especially Europe and America, must understand that despite its prescribed neutrality based on diplomatic ethics, will be the most affected if anything happens to Nigeria’s democracy.
Meanwhile, the group demanded the sack, arrest and prosecution of chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, cancellation of the presidential election of 25th February, 2023 and compensation of all victims of electoral violence.
Others include stablishment of a truth and Reconciliation Committee in Lagos and other flashpoints of violence, saying its resolve is built on truth, faith and hope and on the risky, if not suicidal conviction, that illegality will always birth illegality.
The group however restated its commitment to a united, democratic and prosperous Nigeria.
“We are moved by this commitment to call for answers to the evil of 1st March, 2023, a very traumatic moment in our history. For on that day, the sanctity of what should ordinarily be a free and fair process was buried in the sands of impunity. That declaration by Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu remains a dark moment in our history” the group added.
