Soyinka blasts Tinubu’s silence on protester killings, condemns use of live bullets

In a powerful statement, renowned Nigerian playwright Wole Soyinka has voiced his concerns over President Tinubu’s recent broadcast addressing civic protests. Soyinka criticized the president for failing to acknowledge the shooting and killing of protesters demanding good governance.

Condemning the use of live bullets and teargas by security forces, Soyinka emphasized that such responses only escalate violence. “The state cannot serve bullets where bread is pleaded,” he remarked, stressing the inhumanity of meeting peaceful demands with deadly force.

Soyinka highlighted the government’s attempts to remedy the situation but pointed out the persistent issues in managing protests. He warned that the misuse of force by security agents perpetuates a cycle of resentment and violence, undermining the nation’s stability.

He further emphasized that hunger marches are a universal cry for help and should be met with empathy and action, not repression. Soyinka lamented the tragic handling of recent hunger marches, comparing it to the brutal EndSARS protests, and urged the government to recognize and address the public’s desperation to prevent further regression.