NOBEL Laureate and Nigerian playwright, Wole Soyinka has urged the incoming administration to decentralize political power and authority.
Speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday April 5, Soyinka said that more power should be given to both the state and local governments.
He said that genuine decentralization would foster development.
READ ALSO:
Complete speech of Professor Wole Soyinka delivered to mark anniversary of Nigerian Civil War
‘Osinbajo is right’… Wole Soyinka Centre admits award deferment was VP’s decision
Soyinka tackles Akinterinwa over ‘false’ attribution on Nigerian crises
“I am talking about decentralization that is all I want from the incoming government and whatever it is let us have a genuine not rhetorical but practical and detailed devolution of power. More power to the various arms and tiers of government. States, local governments, the reinforcement of civic entities, civil societies.
“You can summarize it in one word – decentralization.”
Soyinka condemned the attacks of Igbo in Lagos and the level of ethnic bigotry displayed by Nigerians during the presidential election.
“You asked about what happened during the election but remember I am relying on reports and news items sent to me.
“Something happened during the election especially during the governorship election which for me is distasting and distressing. This was the targeting of non-state people especially those who are considered strangers and their community.
“There was a real targeting of certain parts of Lagos where the Igbo population was prominent and I think that is disgraceful and should be condemned by every serious thinking person.”
Soyinka however, condemned the fake news and quotations that have been attributed to him
“Beware of fake news, a lot of damage is being done by it.
“I want to use this opportunity to announce a reward of a thousand dollars to anyone who can finger successfully at the author of some utterances which have been attributed to me over the past six months.
“I will really go further to raise additional funds for anyone who can nail the authors of fake news.”
In the same vein, he condemned comments by the vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Ahmed as provocative.
Stories with punches holding the powerful accountable. His determination to speak out against corruption and influence the conversation in Nigeria, the surrounding region and the continent inspires him.