Renowned Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka has weighed in on the political landscape, expressing his hopes that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi will abstain from contesting in the upcoming election.

Speaking in an interview with Noble Nigeria, Soyinka criticized the leadership of the Labour Party during the previous election, suggesting their governance capabilities were lacking.

He went on to accuse Obi of wielding influence over online trolls who targeted him and other key figures critical of the party’s campaign strategies.

Soyinka’s comments come amidst ongoing tensions, as he faced sustained insults from Obi’s supporters, dubbed ‘Obidients,’ particularly on social media platforms.

He said, “It has to do with education. I didn’t read all these (insults by Obidient Movement) but of course, some links were sent to me, especially when facts were ‘being manufactured’.

“When I read these things, I was disgusted. There’s no other word for it. I really was disgusted and I know that it was orchestrated.

“I know that there is a relay mechanism, which is triggered into action by those who control what we call the trolls of the Internet, and so my disgust and contempt. I just went about my business, you know, because nobody, anybody on this earth who thinks they can stop me telling the truth as I see it needs to have his or her head examined. It’s as elementary as that.

“But it is depressing to see those who wanted to be political leaders encouraging that kind of action, that kind of attitude in the youth. And my mind went to the expression, ‘They don’t know what they’re doing’. Those who sow the wind will reap the whirlwind.”

Soyinka, characterizing the online trolls as “foot soldiers,” emphasized that they have been extensively trained in that aspect.

He said, “One of these days, they would be astonished, they would turn on them and teach them a lesson. And so, my attitude was very blasé and it is for me a sad phenomenon, especially for those who want to lead multi-textured (society)- different religions, different ethnic groups, different worldviews – who actually want to preside over such a group as one.

“It means that they have already declared themselves incompetent to lead such an entity.”

When questioned about Peter Obi’s candidacy in the previous election, Soyinka expressed his fervent wish that Obi refrains from expressing interest in the next election.

He underscored his stance by stating, “I hope for the sake of the nation that he doesn’t express interest in the next election because for me as a leader, if there was any proof that he was unfit to lead that country, it’s in the conduct which he encouraged among his followers.”

President Bola Tinubu has instructed a thorough reassessment of the chairpersons and members appointed to govern Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, as per the list issued by the Federal Ministry of Education.

The decision, communicated by Mr. Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Thursday, comes in response to the controversy surrounding the composition of the list.

The statement reads “President Bola Tinubu has directed a total and comprehensive review of the recently announced governing boards of tertiary institutions in Nigeria before the inauguration and retreat being planned for the nominees.

“The Federal Ministry of Education recently released names of nominees for chairmen, Pro-Chancellors, and members of the boards and councils of universities, Polytechnics, and colleges of education. It also announced that the inauguration and retreat for the nominees will take place on 31 May.

However, public reactions showed that the nominations did not reflect the federal character of the country as some states got just one nomination, while some others got many.

“In directing a complete review of the list of members, President Tinubu acknowledges the feedback across the country. President Tinubu is committed to ensuring strict compliance with the principle of federal character as entrenched in the constitution.

“The review will also take into consideration national spread and ensure every part of the country is adequately represented.”

Since its release approximately a week ago, numerous Nigerians have leveled accusations against the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, alleging a disproportionate appointment of individuals from Adamawa State to the governing councils of various tertiary institutions.

This perceived imbalance, in contrast to the scant representation from states like Niger, has sparked criticism, with many citing a violation of Nigeria’s Federal Character Law governing public office appointments.

Former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigative Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Okoi Obono-Obla, joined the chorus of condemnation.

An unverified list circulating on social media platforms, including WhatsApp, claims that 32 individuals from Adamawa State have secured positions on the councils of tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, while only approximately four individuals from Niger State were similarly appointed.

A lecturer from one of the first-generation universities, who prefers not to be named, expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment of 83-year-old former Governor of Ebonyi State, Martin Elechi.

The lecturer lamented Elechi’s extensive tenure in public office dating back to the 1970s, questioning the government’s decision-making process and suggesting it amounts to political patronage.

The source said “Why is the government so clueless like this? How can we turn everything to political patronage? Education, for that matter? This man called, Martin Elechi was once the education commissioner in the old East Central State many years ago. That is quite unfortunate.”

A notable move unfolded in the Senate on Thursday as a bill advocating for the reinstatement of Nigeria’s former National Anthem progressed to a pivotal second reading.

The proposed legislation aims to supplant the current anthem with its predecessor, which held sway from the nation’s Independence Day in 1960 until its replacement in 1978 during Olusegun Obasanjo’s military administration.

During Thursday’s plenary session, the bill garnered substantial support, earning approval for both initial and subsequent readings, following a decisive vote overseen by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Subsequently, the Senate President referred the bill to the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, as well as Internal Affairs, for further legislative scrutiny and prompt reporting back.

“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was embraced as the inaugural national anthem of the nation upon its attainment of independence from Britain in 1960.

The lyrics of the anthem were penned by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate residing in Nigeria during the historic moment, while Frances Berda composed the accompanying music.

During the deliberations on the bill, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele spearheaded the debate.

Mr. Bamidele underscored that the former anthem significantly fostered national identity and unity among Nigerians compared to the current anthem.

He said “The anthem, upon rendition, inspired and stimulated a deep sense of patriotism in Nigerians. You will also agree with me that those who were around in the 60s and the late 70s would attest to the fact that the anthem played quite a significant and crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity, as well as engendered a high sense of value and personal belonging amongst the citizenry.

“It was symbolic of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and nationhood. In retrospect, the anthem served as a regular and constant reminder of our journey as a nation and provoked feelings of nostalgia and fond memories of the country’s early years,” he added.

The Senate Leader fervently appealed to his fellow colleagues to endorse the substitution of the current anthem with its predecessor.

He said “Mr President, my dear Colleagues, at this momentous time in our national history, it is imperative that we utilise any platform that seeks to unite the country and promote patriotism amongst Nigerians.

“Accordingly, the old National Anthem, as a symbol of national pride, has provided insights for patriotic reflections on our aspirations, values and hope for a united and prosperous Nigeria.

“The rendition and musical accuracy of the anthem are better in content and context than the current one. On this note, permit me, at this juncture, to reproduce the anthem to serve as a reminder and reflection.

“The new anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” will inspire in us the zeal to build a fully integrated and indivisible nation, whereby all citizens will live in unity and harmony,” Mr Bamidele added.

The majority of senators who participated in the debate expressed their support for the bill and advocated for the Senate to conduct public hearings on the matter before reaching a final decision.

Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South) emphasized that the former National Anthem better depicted brotherhood and unity compared to the current one.

He questioned the inclusivity of the term “compatriots” in the existing anthem, highlighting the importance of considering all Nigerians, regardless of their background.

He said “Who are the compatriots? If you say compatriot, what about those who are not compatriots, are they not Nigerians? The old anthem discussed brotherhood. If I know you are my brother, I will ensure you are safe. ”