Wole Soyinka’s characterization of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s supporters as fascists has been condemned by Shehu Sani, former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th Senate.
In response to the attacks on him by OBIdients following his condemnation of Datti Yusuf Baba-controversial Ahmed’s interview with Channels Television, Soyinka described Obi’s supporters as fascists in a statement on Friday.
According to Soyinka:
“A fearful atmosphere is being created.” Refusing to entertain corrective criticism, even opposing viewpoints on the same issue, has become a badge of honor and a certificate of commitment.
“Ultimately, what is at stake is truth, and at the most basic level of social regulation:
When you are a party to a dispute, you do not try to intimidate the arbiter, dictate the outcome, or cast doubt on his or her neutrality even before the hearing begins. That is a fundamental principle of just proceeding. Truth remains elusive in the absence of this.”
Sani, who responded to the claim on Twitter, insisted that Obi’s supporters were not fascists, as the literary luminary had claimed, and recalled the mistreatment of those opposed to President Muhammadu Buhari’s ambition in northern Nigeria some years ago.
In a Friday tweet, he insisted that the country’s post-election agitation was evidence of a major achievement in Nigeria’s democracy.
“In 2011, any northerner who opposed Buhari’s ambition was considered an infidel.”
Following the elections, mobs resorted to violence, invading the homes of PDP members, killing their family members and torching their homes. If those weren’t fascists, Peter’s men aren’t either.
“The criticism of the general election results remains peaceful and civil.” A significant achievement in our democratic history that we are failing to recognize. Yes, it’s not quiet, and it never will be. If it is quiet, it is not democracy.”
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