Soyinka delays critique of Tinubu’s government, cites personal policy

Renowned Nigerian playwright and elder statesman, Prof Wole Soyinka, has declared that he will withhold any criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration until one year into his tenure in May 2024. Soyinka, a Nobel Laureate, revealed this during a courtesy visit to Tinubu in Lagos on Sunday.

The iconic dramatist clarified that this approach is part of his personal policy, emphasizing that the one-year delay allows the President sufficient time to “make up” for any initial setbacks.

In his words, “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.”