You’ve No Moral Right To Accuse Anybody Of Fascism – Professor Udenta Blasts Wole Soyinka
In the wake of his scathing criticism of the recent remarks of the Labour Party flag bearer, Peter Gregory Obi, and his running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed challenging the outcome of the contentious presidential election, Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka has been lampooned by renowned political analyst, Professor Udenta Udenta.
Recall that while appearing in an interview on CHANNELS TV two days ago, Soyinka accused Obi and his running mate, Datti, of encouraging fascism among their followers popularly known as Obidients. The internationally-acclaimed author then went on to reveal that he was shocked by the kind of words that were used by the Labour Party VP candidate in describing his disappointment at the conduct of the elections, insisting that comments were extreme and capable of inciting an instruction against the Nigerian State.
Why Datti Baba-Ahmed Wasn’t Arrested Over Recent Comment – Ex-DSS Director, Ejiofor
Reacting to Soyinka’s remarks during an interview on ARISE TV’s ‘Prime Time’ program a few hours ago, Prof Udenta slammed the Nobel Laureate, insisting that he had no moral right to accuse anybody of fascism or even take sides in the ongoing political tussle for the soul of Nigeria’s democracy.
He said; “For now, the key gladiators in this fight have been measured and restrained, including those who feel hurt by the results declared by INEC. Atiku Abubakar of the PDP is restrained, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party has equally shown restraint. They have all gone to court. Even Datti has been well restrained despite his tough words. They are seeking judicial adjudication despite their grievance. So, for anybody in or out of government to talk about fascism, fascistic behavior, insurrection, or treason, is totally unbecoming and completely irresponsible, especially at this stage. The country is hurting and the people are hurt.
“What is needed from the powers that be and the government of the day is the assurance that justice will be secured, that is why the courts are there. I speak with a sense of responsibility. Obi and Atiku have not descended to the level of what transpired in 2011 when hundreds of youth corpers, vibrant young men and women were cut down in their prime, thousands of houses were raised across the north, and millions poured into the streets because they were not happy about election results. So for someone like the well-respected Sage, Wole Soyinka to descend into the fray having lost his moral compass in this circumstance is quite shocking. He lacks the moral right to speak on this matter or even accuse anyone of fascism.”
