Presidency Replies Soyinka For Likening Jonathan To Nebuchadnezzar

The Presidency has replied Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on the comments he made against President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday at a press briefing.

The Nobel Laureate‎ on Tuesday blasted President Goodluck Jonathan for endorsing and encouraging the reign of ‎impunity in Nigeria even as the country traverses difficult times.

Prof. Wole Soyinka had during a press conference in Lagos while giving a speech titled “King Nebuchadnezzar – The Reign of Impunity” criticized the government of President Goodluck Jonathan comparing him to biblical tyrant, King Nebuchadnezzar. He also condemned Jonathan for encouraging a reign of impunity, using the recent police invasion of the National Assembly complex as an example.

In his words, “I shall not insist that the biblical figure of Nebuchadnezzar is uniquely apt for the pivotal figure of the ‘democratic’ history in the making at this moment,” Soyinka said.

“For one thing, Nebu was a nation builder and a warrior. One could argue even more convincingly for the figure of Balthazar, his successor, or indeed Emperor Nero as reference point – you all remember him – the emperor who took to fiddling while Rome was burning.”

“However you should easily recall why I opted for King Nebu – the figure that currently sits on the top of our political pile himself evoked it, albeit in a context that virtuously disclaimed any similarities, even tendencies.”

“Perhaps he meant it at the time when he claimed: ‘I am no Nebuchadnezzar.’ Perhaps not. One judges leaders on acts however, not pronouncements, which are often as reliable as electoral promises, “Soyinka added

“That a national leader should go campaigning on the platform of ethnic support at a time when priorities dictate a United national engagement for survival, is a grotesque undertaking,” Soyinka said, referring to Jonathan’s visit at the Obafemi Awolowo University last week.

Jonathan has continued to degrade the political system by endorsing lawlessness and supporting lawless appointees, not minding the chaos Nigeria is going through, Soyinka said.

“Nothing is more unworthy of leadership than to degrade the system by which one attains fulfilment, and this is what the nation has witnessed time and time again in various parts of the nation, the recent affront against the legislative chamber being only the most blatant and unconscionable, ” Soyinka added.

However the Presidency, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, swiftly responded to Soyinka’s comments and accused him of “playing the Ostrich.”

Okupe said,"It is quite saddening to note that Prof Wole had become so close to the opposition party so much that he has stopped giving appreciable and unbiased contribution to national topics.”

“Our eminent professor also sadly plays the ostrich as he failed to reprimand Governor Amaechi, who is the ‘national champion of impunity and official recklessness’.

“The administration of President Goodluck Jonathan prides itself as the most liberal, keeping faith with adherence to rule of law and tolerance.”

Okupe also stressed that it was interesting that Soyinka had chosen to ignore what he termed the immoral, indefensible and unlawful attitude of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, after his defection.

He then accused Professor Soyinka of maligning the Inspector General of Police who he said only discharged his lawful duties.

It will be recalled that President Jonathan has recently also been criticized by former President, Olusegun Obasanjo who accused him of destroying Nigeria’s democracy with his evil actions while also comparing him to late military dictator, Sani Abacha.
- http://www.aitonline.tv/post-presidency_replies_soyinka_for_likening_jonathan_to_nebuchadnezzar#sthash.J9XP2Iwf.dpuf

Wole Soyinka, L; President Goodluck, R