Prof. Wole Soyinka is out of his mind for criticizing the llockdown order given by the president. In a season where every leader is up on their sleeves looking for ways to protect their citizens, Buhari has made his mark in responding in the right direction. According to reports from WHO, the coronavirus is most transmitted through physical contact. So, isn’t it great that the government is putting effort to minimize physical contact through restricting movement in high risk states?
With due respect to the constitution, if everything about leadership is left to law and statuts, we are definitely headed for a ruthless ending. This is one moment that President Buhari has taken humanity over law and it should be applauded. Undoubtedly, Soyinka is out of his mind for attacking the president and arguing the lockdown in certain states including the FCT.
Soyinka is Out of His Mind For Criticizing The Lockdown Order
Speaking earlier today while addressing the media, Soyinka said, “Constitutional lawyers and our elected representatives should kindly step into this and educate us, mere lay minds.
“The worst development I can conceive is to have a situation where rational measures for the containment of the Corona pandemic are rejected on account of their questionable genesis.
“So, before this becomes a habit, a question: does President Buhari have the powers to close down state borders? We want clear answers. We are not in a war emergency.
“Appropriately focussed on measures for the saving lives, and committed to making sacrifices for the preservation of our communities, we should nonetheless remain alert to any encroachment on constitutionally demarcated powers. We need to exercise collective vigilance, and not compromise the future by submitting to interventions that are not backed by law and constitution.
“A President who has been conspicuously AWOL is now alleged to have woken up after a prolonged siesta, and begun to issue orders.
“Who actually instigates these orders anyway? From where do they really emerge? What happens when the orders conflict with state measures, the product of a systematic containment strategy – `including even trial-and-error and hiccups – undertaken without let or leave of the centre.
“So far, the anti-COVID19 measures have proceeded along the rails of decentralised thinking, multilateral collaboration and technical exchanges between states.
“I urge governors and legislators to be especially watchful. No epidemic is ever cured with constitutional piracy. It only lays down new political viruses for the future.”
Soyinka is Out of His Mind For Criticizing The Lockdown Order
While completely acknowledging Soyinka’s concern regarding the executive being habitual with non-constitutional order, it should be noted that Leaderd are expected to step up and protect their people especially at times like this. Maybe Soyinka should focus on talking our law makers into making constitutional amendments to empower efficient leadership.
