Elders Forum Slams Soyinka, Backs Tinubu’s Role in Benin Failed Coup
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO – The National Elders Forum for Peace and Justice, on Wednesday in Kano criticised Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, over his comments condemning Nigeria’s intervention in the failed coup in the Benin Republic, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acted appropriately.
In a statement by its President, Dr. Bature AbdulAziz, that was made available to newsmen in Kano, the Forum said Soyinka should have known the dangers of allowing a coup to take root in a neighbouring country.
Dr. AbdulAziz in the signed statement, “I expected Professor Soyinka, with his years of experience and personality, to know the implications of the coup in Benin Republic.”
He argued that President Tinubu’s swift intervention was both necessary and justified. “President Tinubu no doubt did the right thing by quickly interfering to stop the coup and restore constituted authority in the country, stressing that “This is because of so many reasons which Professor Soyinka could not see”.
Dr. AbdulAziz warned that allowing a coup in the Benin Republic to succeed would have far-reaching regional consequences.
He said, “Should Nigeria allow the coup in Benin Republic to succeed, then all its neighbouring countries would be under military rule, and the next thing that would happen is for them to isolate Nigeria and cause problems for it.”
The Forum added that Nigeria had long played the role of “Africa Big Brother” helping stabilise troubled nations across the continent. “From Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique to South Africa, Gabon and so many other countries, Nigeria has always intervened.
He maintained that “it is not a new thing that Nigeria is today interfering with what is happening in Benin Republic”.
Dr. AbdulAziz further stated that Soyinka should appreciate this history and understand Nigeria’s need for stable democratic neighbours. “I expect Professor Soyinka to appreciate these facts and to also know that Nigeria needs a democratic neighbourhood with whom we can decide things together,” he added.
He advised the Nobel Laureate to communicate directly with President Tinubu on matters of national interest rather than criticising the government publicly.
The Elders Forum also berated Amnesty International for what it described as persistent attacks on the Nigerian government under the guise of human rights advocacy.