Presidency: Soyinka Backs Umar, Says Buhari No Longer In Charge

By Tosin Olatokunbo

Professor Wole Soyinka has criticized President Muhammadu Buhari for losing control to some hawk in Aso Rock, Nigeria’s seat of power.

The professor was among prominent opposition leaders that backed Buhari for presidency in 25 against Goodluck Jonathan, the incumbent at the time.

The presidency has recently denied this, insisting that Buhari is still in control.

A former chief of staff, Abba Kyari who died in April from COVID 19 infection was said to have wielded more power and instrumental to most government appointments made by the president.

Col. Abubakar Umar(rtd) has recently called out the president for favouring a section of the country with juicy government appointments.

While speaking on the same issue Soyinka, a Nobel laureate said the president has lost grip on power, adding that some officials in the presidency may have capitalized on this weakness to make sensitive appointments.

Wole Soyinka, a Nobel laureate, says he does not believe that President Muhammadu Buhari is in charge of the country.

Soyinka said Col Umar’s letter was an eye opener to what is happening in the presidency.

He said  “First of all, I was appalled by the silence that followed this revelation. I think those who are responsible for this criminal lopsidedness should be punished.

It is not sufficient just to discuss it. It’s criminal.”

He said the president have been shoved aside by powerful forces in the Villa who now controls the affairs of the country.

According to him “I have said this before. I don’t believe there is really anybody in charge in Aso Rock. I’m sorry to say this.

I’ve been studying the trend over the past year and a half and I believe this president is not in charge of this nation, in so many aspects and directions. I’m convinced he’s not really and totally with it.”

Soyinka, in a veiled reference to the president health said Buhari’s may have been made incapacitated as a result of this.

He said “It’s so serious. It is not the fact alone, we know the history of this. We know what it has caused the nation and we know it isn’t over yet.

And you say are launching an enquiry. That’s not enough. This man is not in charge.”

While responding to allegation that some persons in his government have hijacked power, President Buhari said he has not directed anyone to rule the country on his behalf as the President and Commander-in Chief of the Armed Forces.