Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka says some politicians in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should be answering questions from anti-graft agencies over corrupt practices during their time in elected offices.
The elder statesman and spoke on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday.
Soyinka, who will clock 90 in July, said when it is time, he will beam his searchlight on such politicians and ask the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to go after them.
The rights activist acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu was a “doughty fighter” during the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) days over three decades ago.
He said though somebody’s record must always be taken to account but he won’t the past achievement of any individual to affect his opinion or criticism on any public issue.
Soyinka said, “Tinubu was a doughty fighter during the anti-Sani Abacha struggle…Even law recognises that somebody’s record must always be taken to account before you descend on that person for some kind of neglect, criminality, failure, whatever.
“However, I can never allow the past of any individual to twist my appeal on any urgent issue.
“I cannot say because you were a fighter during the NADECO struggle, therefore, I will sit down and watch you condone corruption, that includes failures.
“For instance, when it’s time, I’m going to look at those in his (Tinubu) government who should be under trial right now and yet who occupy critical positions in the ruling party.
“Are they asking questions from the EFCC? This and this individual who held this position at this time who had immunity at the time, no longer has immunity, ICPC, EFCC, what are you doing about them? What happened? We’ve been waiting.”
Last December, Soyinka visited Tinubu in his Bourdillon residence in highbrow Ikoyi area of the state, saying his assessment of the current administration will come after Tinubu’s one first anniversary in office.
Leave a Reply