Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has accused President Bola Tinubu of failing to fulfil some of his campaign promises, particularly on addressing cases of extrajudicial killings and political assassinations.
Professor Soyinka made the remarks during the 28th Wole Soyinka Lecture and National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) Martyrs’ Day held in Port Harcourt.
He urged Nigerians to demand accountability from the President, especially regarding records of extrajudicial killings and unresolved cases of political violence.
The Nobel Laureate, who founded the National Association of Seadogs, said the event was also an opportunity to honour individuals whose rights had been violated through injustice and what he described as the failure of government institutions.
Highlighting several cases of killings and alleged human rights abuses, Soyinka stressed that the protection of human life remains the foundation of every society and democratic system. He called for collective action to ensure that the judiciary and other institutions uphold justice and truth.
Delivering the keynote address, former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Chief Osita Chidoka, who spoke on the theme “Reclaiming the Nigerian State through Accountability, Justice and Civic Courage,” cautioned against political appointments based on ethnicity or tribal considerations.
Chidoka also expressed concern over the large number of awaiting-trial inmates in Nigerian correctional centres, saying citizens should not require political influence or godfathers to enjoy the protection of the rule of law.
Earlier, the National President of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), Joseph Oteri, reflected on the 1997 incident involving members of the association in Rivers State and underscored the need to rebuild Nigeria through accountability, justice and civic courage. He also commended Professor Soyinka for consistently speaking truth to power.
The event featured panel discussions and contributions from former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joi Nunieh, actress Hilda Dokubo, Professor Obari Gomba and Uche Onyeagucha, who shared their perspectives on strengthening accountability, justice and civic responsibility in Nigeria.
