In a recent meeting that blended camaraderie and policy discussion, Nobel laureate and academic, Prof. Wole Soyinka, paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos. The visit, marked by historical advice and a seven-point agenda, shed light on Soyinka’s approach to assessing Tinubu’s administration.
Soyinka, known for his thoughtful evaluations of leaders, shared a unique personal policy during the visit. He explained, “Something you may have noticed about me is that most heads of state, when they come into office, I always leave them alone for about the first year… because they need time.”
This approach, according to Soyinka, allows leaders to overcome initial challenges and “make up” for lost grounds. He emphasized this tradition, noting that it applied to Tinubu’s predecessors, such as Obasanjo, Buhari, and Jonathan.
The literary icon, acknowledging his history with President Tinubu, disclosed that he presented a seven-point agenda during their discussion. While the specifics of the agenda remain undisclosed, Soyinka described the conversation as thorough.
Reflecting on his earlier advice to Tinubu not to run for president, Soyinka humorously referred to him as “olori kunkun,” meaning the stubborn one, as Tinubu chose to run despite the counsel. The visit, Soyinka clarified, was to check on Tinubu’s well-being and to extend Christmas wishes to him and his wife.
When pressed to evaluate Tinubu’s performance in office, Soyinka maintained his tradition of a one-year observation period. “At the end of one year, come and ask me the same question again,” he declared, highlighting his intention to give leaders the necessary time to address challenges and set their agendas.
As Soyinka and Tinubu navigate their evolving relationship, marked by advice, friendship, and shared concerns for the nation, observers eagerly await the unfolding chapters of Tinubu’s administration and Soyinka’s eventual assessment at the end of the one-year period.
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