Renowned Nigerian playwright and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has emphatically called for the immediate detention of individuals, whether directly or indirectly connected to the alleged scam involving the Mambilla power project.
This passionate appeal comes in the wake of the arrest of former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Expressing his dismay, Soyinka criticized the EFCC’s actions, particularly the statement attributed to the EFCC chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, suggesting that only President Bola Tinubu could order the release of Agunloye.
The esteemed playwright found it incredulous that Agunloye, despite openly attending a public event—the funeral of his sister on December 8—was declared wanted by the EFCC.
“Olu Agunloye has pursued his movements openly to the extent of being present and photographed at my sister’s funeral on December 8.
He did not appear in disguise, did not sneak in and out,” Soyinka highlighted, criticizing the EFCC’s approach as more of a social media stunt than a sincere effort to address serious criminal allegations.
Despite Agunloye’s compliance with the EFCC’s request to show up at their offices in Abuja, Soyinka revealed that he was promptly arrested and detained.
This prompted Soyinka to question the sincerity of the EFCC’s intentions, denouncing the situation as a murky exercise of power that transcends previous interventions.
Moreover, Soyinka expressed deep concern over reports indicating that the EFCC head declared Agunloye’s potential release would solely depend on the President’s directive.
Questioning the exercise of power, Soyinka emphasized the need for an impartial inquiry into the alleged Mambilla project scam and the unsolved murder case of former Minister of Power, Bola Ige, during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
In his fervent call for justice and accountability, Soyinka advocated for the establishment of a transparent, non-partisan commission to thoroughly investigate the allegations, regardless of the time it might take.
He urged an end to deception, cover-ups, and blame-shifting, proposing that both legislative chambers take decisive action to address the issue and pave the way for the nation’s progress.
Soyinka’s impassioned plea concluded with a call for the immediate release of all detainees involved in the alleged Mambilla scam or their equal arrest and detention to ensure fairness, justice, and accountability prevail.
As the nation grapples with these critical issues, Soyinka’s voice resonates as a beacon for transparency and ethical governance.
