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Anti-graft battle: It’s no longer business as usual, says Soyinka
President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption battle got a ‘pass mark’ from an unusual quarter yesterday. It was rated above average by Prof Wole Soyinka.
The literary giant, however, scored the President below average on the anti-terror war.
Soyinka spoke on the Bristish Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) programme, Hardtalk, anchored by Zeinab Badawi on Monday.
Appraising the anti-graft battle, Soyinka said: ”We have this issue of corruption, which is… and I frankly despise those who try to trivialise it in Nigeria simply because they don’t like the face of the man who is behind it.
“But, it’s no longer business as usual in Nigeria because we have bankers who are on trial; we have legislators who are on trial and we have former governors who are on trial. Immediately they step out of the office, they are grabbed by the anti-corruption agencies. On corruption, as far as I’m concerned, he scored the best.”
On the anti-terror war, the literary icon said: “Take for instance, the issue of Boko Haram, if action had been taken at the beginning, and we are not talking about the time of the reign of Jonathan. When the first governor decided to make his state a theocratic state… that was when action should have been taken.
“The President of that time compromised because he was ambitious and he needed the support of the state governor. And when you start a theocracy, a movement will berth and killings will start. They start saying, that you are not holy enough’ and the killings start.”
He said the President should have learnt from the past by nipping in the bud the clashes between herders and farmers.
“Well, he is making progress, but then another problem has sprung up and that is where the problem is. Yes, he is very slow in responding. Buhari has failed in that respect.”
The Nobel laureate also defended his support for Buhari during the 2015 election, saying he was a better option to stop Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who, he said, was not doing enough to pilot the affairs of the country as President.
Soyinka said: “Gen. Buhari didn’t really win…, he won by default, because it was impossible to continue with Jonathan. Yes, I did use that expression, born-again democrat. The reason I used that expression is because when somebody compete in an election first time, second time, third time, fourth time and persists, he must believe in democracy.”
Justifying his support for Buhari, a former military head of state, Soyinka said: “First of all, Nigeria is not peculiar in that respect. We’ve had examples like that everywhere. We’ve had many military people doing that. So, the transition is not impossible.
“On the second circumstance, the fact that Nigeria has shown the military what a huge failure they were, makes it possible for one to identify the possibility of exception. In any case, I keep emphasising that Nigerians had difficulty of making a choice. Like I said, it was between the devil and the deep blue sea.”
Reflecting on his detention in the 60s and how he wrote on toiletries, Soyinka said: “Yes, it was a solitary confinement. I was deprived of books – writing materials. So, I had to create my own world. So, toiletry paper became my template in which I could create the micro world in which I lived.
“They were supplying toiletries and they were so generous with it. Mostly, I was writing short, short pieces, mostly poetry. Somehow, I did get out. At a time, I have a book smuggled to me. Everything had to be hidden.”
The professor said it was high time the younger generation took the baton from the older generation, who he referred to as fogies.
He said: “I compare today with the dreams, aspiration that we had in those days when we considered ourselves as the ones going to lift the continent to world standard and make it competitive anywhere. But that has not happened.”
On this year’s presidential election, won by incumbent President Buhari, the playwright said: “It was one of the most depressed elections we’ve ever had. For me, it wasn’t possible for me to make a choice. I’m talking for myself. The simple reason is that the two candidates, they both had history. One is immediate, and the other is past, which made one to look for alternative.
“I want us to define the youth very carefully. There are some young people that will still compound or are worst than the rulers. I’m talking about those youths with fresh and good vision. I’m talking about those who felt ashamed of what Nigeria is today. Those who have traversed the world a bit and seen how things are done, and achieved in other countries. And analyse the problems of Nigeria, not contend to the old ideas. I’m talking about those youths that will get their priority right.”
When asked the chances available to the youth in Nigeria, where money plays a great role, Soyinka said: “When we started encouraging young people to come out, there was one person spearheading that movement and they could have come up with a consensus candidate.
*Says ADC’s leadership that produced him, other candidates illegal
A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the process that led to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s emergence as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for next year’s presidential election. FollowPolitics
In a judgment on Thursday, Justice Peter Lifu also voided the emergence of former Senate President David Mark, ex-Governor of Osun State Rauf Aregbesola, and others as ADC national officers.
Justice Lifu also voided the nominations of all ADC candidates for the 2027 general elections, holding that they emerged from the ADC’s illegal and unlawful leadership.
The judgment was delivered in a suit brought by an aggrieved ADC Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The judge upheld Gombe’s contention that David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola emerged as party leaders through an unlawful and illegal process.
Justice Lifu set aside all actions taken by the Mark-led leadership in the name of ADC, holding that they were unlawful.
Details shortly…
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Breaking : End of an Era: Five-Time Ballon d’Or Winner Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from International Football at 41
Portuguese Legend Bows Out After 23 Years, 146 Goals and 234 Appearances for Portugal
Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 41, bringing an end to an illustrious 23-year career with the Portugal national team.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made the announcement on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video message shared on his social media platforms.
Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, said the time had come to hand over Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt to the next generation of players.
The former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus forward retires from international football as the highest goalscorer in men’s international football history, with an outstanding record of 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.
His international journey began in August 2003, when he made his senior debut for Portugal as an 18-year-old. Over the following 23 years, he became the country’s most recognisable football figure and one of the most influential captains in the history of the national team.
One of the greatest moments of his international career came in 2016, when he captained Portugal to its first-ever UEFA European Championship title.
Portugal defeated host nation France 1-0 after extra time in the final, despite Ronaldo being forced off the pitch through injury in the first half. His leadership and encouragement from the sidelines remained an important part of the historic victory.
He also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, bringing his major international trophy haul with the country to three.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on his remarkable journey, describing wearing Portugal’s No. 7 shirt for 23 years as a privilege and responsibility.
He said the decision was not easy because it involved both his head and his heart, adding that it was time to pass the responsibility to the next generation.
Ronaldo leaves behind extraordinary records, including the most international appearances and goals in men’s football. He also became the first male player to score at six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Beyond his international achievements, the five-time Ballon d’Or recipient enjoyed a remarkable club career, winning multiple domestic league titles and five UEFA Champions League trophies.
His retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in Portuguese and world football, with his achievements, leadership, goalscoring records and commitment to his country likely to remain an inspiration to future generations.
Although he has ended his international career, Ronaldo’s legacy as one of football’s greatest-ever players remains firmly established.
Portugal will now look towards a new generation of players to carry forward the legacy of its legendary No. 7.
… Prays for Nigeria’s peace, unity, security, prosperity
… Holds farewell meeting with Makkah Deputy Governor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Saudi Arabia for Abuja on Wednesday after completing his Umrah pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, where he offered special prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity.
The President’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13 p.m. Saudi time, bringing his spiritual visit to the Kingdom to an end.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu was seen off at the airport by the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo; and the Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.
Before his departure, the President held a brief farewell meeting with the Deputy Governor of Makkah at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.
Tinubu, who arrived in Saudi Arabia last Thursday, led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.
A major highlight of the pilgrimage was Sunday’s rare opportunity granted to the President and members of his delegation to enter the sacred Ka’abah, where they performed two raka’at prayers.
During the spiritual exercise, Tinubu offered supplications to Almighty Allah for enduring peace, improved security, national unity and economic prosperity, while seeking divine wisdom, guidance and strength to discharge his responsibilities to Nigerians. Nigerianews subscription
He also prayed for divine blessings upon the country, its leaders and citizens, expressing hope that Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity would become a source of national strength, cohesion and shared prosperity.
The President described the pilgrimage as an opportunity for spiritual reflection, thanksgiving and renewed dedication to the task of building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria. Nigerianews subscription
He expressed appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality and special courtesies extended to him and his delegation.
Tinubu particularly acknowledged the rare privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’abah, describing the opportunity to pray within the sacred structure as spiritually significant. FollowPolitics
According to the statement, the President concluded the pilgrimage with renewed faith, gratitude to Almighty Allah and a strengthened resolve to pursue his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Onanuga said Tinubu remained committed to translating Nigerians’ aspirations into tangible improvements in living conditions and building a better country for all. Nigerianews subscription
The presidential delegation included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among other senior government officials.
The President’s return concludes a visit that combined religious observances with prayers for national stability, improved security and the success of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and development.
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