News
Frank Talk: Nigeria Should Split If It Will Solve Our Challenges – Soyinka
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/71444B2D-8C54-4907-BFCC-E10C5171F742.webp)
Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, on Thursday, said Nigeria should break up if the path would solve the country’s challenges.
Soyinka said this at the PUNCH Newspapers’ 50th-anniversary lecture held in Lagos.
Delivering his lecture titled ‘Recovering the Narrative’, Soyinka said Nigeria should decentralised for Nigerians to enjoy the country more.
The lecture, which was delivered by the Nobel laureate, is part of the weeklong activities marking the 50th anniversary of PUNCH.
The elder statesman said decentralisation would allow governance to get closer to the people, adding that it was high time for leaders to stop taking Nigerians for a ride.
“I know the fear. The fear is collapse, break up. That’s been the excuse given by several regimes. But suppose the nation is breaking up informally, in other words as a fact rather than as a theory. Then, and you better just address this. Come straight on and see exactly what happened. What is wrong with general representatives seeing them and saying this is the protocol of our association, Anything outside of it? Anyone who does not want to accept these protocols, abide by these protocols and manifest these protocols in the act should take a walk. I have no problem at all.
“We live in what is known as the nation beginning as a vast football field is ending up as a ping pong table. If that is going to restore dignity to citizens. If that is going to guarantee three square meals a day then so be it. One of my favourite expressions with people is “Let nations die, that humanity may live.”
He explained that while Nigerian politicians know the importance of restructuring, they change their tune when they get to power.
He said, “What do you mean by restructuring? Well, I don’t even like the word restructuring. I use, I prefer expressions like reconfiguration and decentralisation. Everybody can grasp that, decentralisation. And those who lead, recognise the necessity of it. They recognise the importance, almost the inevitability of it until they get into power, yes, that’s the difference.
“It’s about time, I think leaders stopped taking this nation for a ride, you know, we must decentralise. Security, you know, has become a burden to bear. From all corners of the nation, that is the crime.
“Decentralised so that government can come closer to the people, and productivity can really be manifested as a product of citizens, not simply as a manna from heaven.”
Founded in March 1973, PUNCH, Nigeria’s foremost newspaper, clocked 50 on March 18 last year but its board of directors moved the 50th-anniversary celebration to this year because the anniversary month fell within an election month and year.
The 50th anniversary is being marked with the 40th anniversary of the passing of PUNCH founding Chairman, the late Chief James Olubunmi Aboderin, who died on February 28, 1984, at the age of 50.
News
Finally, IGP approves hunger protests across Nigeria
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Kayode-Egbetokun1.jpg)
The Nigerian police has finally approved the planned nationwide protests and outlined conditions for participants.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed this on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja.
He urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
The police boss said this was to ensure the protest was peaceful.
Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.
“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.
“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”
The police boss said the information expected from the organisers also include measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.
By providing the information, he said, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
He said the police needed to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
Mr Egbetokun said the police will “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.
“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.
News
Reps North-West Caucus Beg Youths, Citizens In The Region Not To Join Planned Protest
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240726_155935-scaled.jpg)
News
Reps Applaud FCT Minister, Wike On AICL Improved Revenue, Infrastructure
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG-20240726-WA0005.jpg)
-
News23 hours ago
Iwuanyanwu was a Heavyweight in all ramifications-Abaribe
-
News22 hours ago
Tinubu, Southern Govs Mourn Iwuanyanwu
-
News22 hours ago
Sokoto Governor, Aliyu’s Wife Holds Lavish Birthday As Guests Spray Dollar Notes On Her Amid Hunger, Hardship
-
News22 hours ago
Protest: President Tinubu In Closed-door Meeting With Traditional Rulers (Video)
-
News24 hours ago
Tinubu’s Presidency Is Failing Nigerians – Afenifere
-
News19 hours ago
Nationwide protest: ‘Airport Is Filled Up, Govs, Senators, Reps, Ministers Traveling Abroad’ — Fayose
-
News24 hours ago
IGP Orders DPOs, Their Men To Storm Vulcanizer Shops Ahead Of Planned Nationwide Protest
-
News23 hours ago
I Participated In Peaceful Protests For Democracy – Tinubu