By Gbenga Adeniji
 |
| Prof Soyinka with white hair |
Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has described the legislative arm of government as the apex of corruption in Nigeria. Soyinka, who used 'hydra' and 'octopus' as images to define the kind of graft confronting the country, said the National Assembly was the pinnacle of what he described as “hydro-pus” corruption.
The renowned playwright spoke in Lagos on Monday at the Town Hall meeting organised by the Save Nigeria Group and its allies with the theme 'Endemic Corruption: The Bane of Good Governance.'
He said, “The Nigerian legislative system is hydro-pus. There is no way you can fight corruption without changing the legislature. Here, the more corrupt a person is, the more chieftaincy he will get.
“We need a complete systemic transformation. Why should there be full-time legislation. Corruption is right at the top and percolates down. Like the Greeks, Nigerians are saying we know where the money went through don't punish us for your greed.”
He also appealed to Nigerians not allow themselves to be pushed into reprisals by the bombings by Boko Haram.
Soyinka said, “They want to push patience to a limitation. They have embarked on a programme to push neighbour to neighbour. We must not accept the agenda of Boko Haram. Don't even for a moment consider reprisals. Protect your neighbour.”
The playwright, who called for a Sovereign National Conference to address the problems bedevilling the country, commended Nigerians for their stand against the removal of fuel subsidy.
He, however, noted that such an action before now was “often sadly lacking.”
He said, “It was very refreshing and very stimulating. The spontaneity and organisation is something that people in other countries appreciate.”
Soyinka also said it was dishonourable for some people to ascribe ethnic colouration to the protests.
He said, “Never mind the complaints of betrayals. If you don't believe in a cause, stay away from it rather than give it an ethnic sectarian trust. It is dishonest and dishonourable. Don't depress the rest of us simply because you think if you support a cause it will reduce your revenue. I hope that is the last we will hear of that.”
In his speech, 'Understanding How Power Works', the Convener of SNG, Pastor Tunde Bakare, said the power of a leader was the one given by the people.
President, Campaign for Democracy, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, who lamented the level of poverty in the country, also frowned on the affluent lifestyle of its political leadership.
She also criticised the deployment of soldiers to quell protests against fuel subsidy removal in Lagos, saying no intimidation could silence a people committed to a genuine cause.
Afrobeat musicians, Femi Kuti and Dede Mabiaku, in their speeches said the majority of Nigerians continued to suffer in the country.
Femi said, “Anytime you see Ibrahim Babangida, Bola Tinubu, James Ibori and Dimeji Bankole ask them, where is our money.”
Earlier, an ecomomist and monetary analyst, Mr. Henry Boyo, in a paper titled, 'Save the Naira, Save Nigerians,' stressed the need to make the naira stronger.
He explained that a stronger Naira would bring about cheaper fuel price, lower machinery/material cost, low production cost, cheaper products, lower inflation, increasing demand, higher employment, improved security and reduction of debt.
punch
No comments:
Post a Comment