Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has expressed strong disapproval of the recent attacks on #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters and journalists by security forces.
According to The PUNCH, Soyinka in a statement on Sunday criticized the Federal Government’s handling of the protests, particularly the use of live ammunition and tear gas by the Nigeria Police Force.
Soyinka noted that such methods could escalate violence rather than quell it.
He expressed disappointment in President Bola Tinubu’s recent address to the nation, highlighting that it did not adequately address the government’s approach to managing civic protests.
He stated, “The continued use of live bullets as a state response to civic protest is a core issue. Tear gas, too, is often abused in peaceful protest situations. Hunger marches are a universal call for help and should be seen as such by the government.”
Soyinka drew parallels with historical events, recalling colonial-era actions that led to resistance and cultural expressions like Hubert Ogunde’s folk opera “BREAD AND BULLETS,” which faced persecution from the colonial government.
He urged security agencies to adopt non-lethal methods when dealing with protests, citing the example of the French Yellow Vest movement, where security forces did not resort to using firearms against protesters.
“Using bullets where bread is sought is a dangerous regression,” Soyinka said. “It could lead to more severe upheavals, including revolutions. The nation must break the cycle of lethal responses to civic society and seek lasting transformation.”
Soyinka suggested that today’s protesters might adopt songs from Ogunde’s opera to emphasize the need for a shift from colonial-era tactics and to instil a sense of shame in failing to progress beyond such measures.
He concluded by calling for an end to lethal force in protest management, advocating for a new approach grounded in historical reflection and a commitment to non-violent methods.
