Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, says the Federal Government has failed, adding that the government is not capable of solving Nigeria’s problems.
Soyinka lamented the violence caused by herdsmen, the indiscriminate grazing of cattle and the destruction of farmlands
He, therefore, recommended that a National Conference be convened, adding that the Muhammadu Buhari-led government can only make an impact by thinking beyond partisan politics.
Soyinka said this while playing host to some students on his 85th birthday celebration, Channels Television reports.
The playwright said, “The problems of this nation are beyond the solution that can be offered by this government, that’s the first admission; they have to stop thinking in partisan government.
“There has always been a major problem with successive governments. It’s easier on the state level to say that a particular state is definitely doing better than another state. But the central government has failed, that’s my view in the main.
“There is a minimal level which any government which has been elected to power must achieve to be considered a true representative of the people.”
He called for a national summit to address some of the socio-economic and political challenges facing the country, saying that the current challenges are beyond the capacity of the government in power.
Soyinka said more was expected from the government in tackling issues that affect the populace.
He also called for a national conference where all these challenges could be addressed for the good of all, making reference to security threats posed by cattle herders.
The Nobel Laureate added, “Look at what’s happening today with the cattle all over the place, that’s a security issue which should never have reached this level.
“That singular act has resulted in hundreds of people being killed, farms were taken over; it has wiped away a lot of the positive achievements of the government.”
“They need to confront this nation as a habitation of human beings where very serious issues like economy, security, health, even threats of secession come up every day and convoke at the same time, a national conference, what I call an Indaba across all section which we will all meet and debate everything, including the economy of this nation.”
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