Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka asks Nigerians not to set a schedule for him, saying he will speak on President Bola Tinubu’s administration when he has anything to say.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Soyinka cautioned those requesting that he fulfill his pledge to evaluate Tinubu’s administration after a year in power, which expired on May 29, 2024.

“People ought to quit attempting to alter my schedule for me. An alarm clock has not been swallowed by me. If there is nothing I feel like talking about and I am occupied elsewhere, I don’t see why I should set my alarm and say, “One year has passed, now I must make an assessment.” He said.

During the May 29, 2023, commencement of the visit to evaluate Tinubu’s administration, the nonagenarian was asked if he would remark on Tinubu’s government until May 2024, a year later.

Citing record-high inflation and an unheard-of cost of living, critics have charged Tinubu with mismanaging the economy.

By May 29, 2025, Tinubu’s administration will have been in power for two years, and many had anticipated that Soyinka would keep his word.

The Nobel Laureate asserted, however, that a number of thoughtful people have been speaking and that evaluating any government is the joint duty of like-minded people.

“I don’t understand this ‘you haven’t come to do this’ business. This is a team effort; others are following suit. The Falanas are constant in their speech. The Baiyewus speak consistently. The Sowores attempt to take the lead in protests. It’s a group endeavor.

“The one year is up, which means you have a right, and I have a responsibility to respond when you call me on certain issues. However, if you’re suggesting that I should hold a news conference and declare, “Now that a year has passed, let’s make an assessment,”—

“I would only ask you, ‘Did I do that with Jonathan?'” “Did I act that way toward Buhari?” “Have I done that to Obasanjo?” ‘Did I do that with anybody?’  So why is it expected of me?

It just indicates that a year has passed. I’ll talk if I’m around and you want to reach me. That was the only meaning of that statement,” Soyinka continued.