Leading African Poet and Linguist, Prof. Niyi Osundare has reacted to the preparation of the forthcoming elections in Nigeria; saying elections do not make a republic.
Prof. Osundare made this revelation at an occasion organized in his honor by the Association of Nigerian Authors, Oyo Chapter in collaboration with Tunde Odunlade Arts and Culture Connexions.
In an exclusive interview with The Pendulum Media, Osundare stated that elections do not make a republic and he does not see any viable choice among the candidates.
According to him, the Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi is the only one saying the right thing but it is rather artificial;
“Elections don’t make a republic. I mean, which of the choices do we say is? Obi is the one saying the right thing but it is rather artificial. He says everything everyone wants to hear without telling us how he is going to achieve it.”
Prof. Osundare, however, said whoever is going to get his vote must be someone ready to restructure the country. To move forward, Nigeria first needs a rearrangement.
“Whoever is going to convince me to vote for him must be one who says he is going to do something about the structure of this country. We have to arrange Nigeria and make the center weaker and the federating units stronger.
“The Federal Government is too powerful, it controls all the money, controls everything, and that is not how a federation is run. No. Different parts of Nigeria should be allowed to develop along their means” he said.
Earlier, during his book reading, he lamented the security situation in the country declaring that it has not been as bad as it currently is. He painted a scenario when he was supposed to travel to Ikere Ekiti for an event but was asked to join virtually by the organizers because his safety cannot be guaranteed.
“Is this a country? No, Nigeria is not a country, it is an example of a failed country. I have not been in Ikere Ekiti since 2019 for the fear of kidnappers. I was told by my family members to remain where I am.
“The festival they hold in my name took place in Ekiti for the first time, in June last year, I was preparing, and 24 hours to set out, my brother reached out to me saying, they are not sure of my safety and that if anything happens to me, I am the head of the family. I have been the head since my father died. I sat in front of the system from 8:00 am- 5:00 pm”
Speaking on the current policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria on the Naira notes, Osundare complained about how difficult it has been getting the notes.
“Something is happening to us. As I am standing before you, I went to the bank a few days ago. I had #50,000 and they told me there is no new currency, how am I going to eat? Suppose, I have a medical emergency.”
In further reactions, Osundare got the audience to reflect when he gave a metaphoric description of Nigerian notes by alluding to one of his poems, titled “Our Dirty Notes” published in his Snapsong Anthology in 2018.
“Tell me, which is dirtier
The Nigerian nation or its currency
When last did they have a decent wash?
“The 1,000 bill reeks
Like a government mortuary
Its 500 brother stinks
Like a rotten egg
“The 100 piece lies limp
Like a blighted leaf
Impotent against the inflationary wind
One-year old, with a centenarian’s wrinkles
“The 20-naira note is crumpled
Like the peanut seller’s paper
Tortured, tattered, insufferably afflicted
Hapless, care-forsaken like its Half-Brother 10″
(Snapsong 42, 2018)
Prof. Niyi Osundare who believes that the Nigerian currency should grow in value rather than the new colors added to it, also wants the Federal Government to come up with better workable policies that would not affect average Nigerians
Other distinguished personalities present at the event include; Prof. Biodun Jeyifo, Chairman of the event; Prof. Babafemi Osofisan, Prof. Olabode Lucas, Prince Tunde Odunlade, CEO of Arts and Culture Gallery, Dr. Tony Marinho, Mr.Jare Ajayi, the first secretary of ANA,
Former secretary of ANA, Osun state chapter and Former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; Prof. Gbemisola Adeoti, Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Mudashiru Abdulganiyu, Mr. Edmund Obilo of Splash FM, Mr. Tolu Fagbure among others.
Prof. Osundare is a distinguished Professor of English in New Orleans, USA.
His poetry collections include
The Word Is an Egg’, ‘Midlife’, ‘Waiting Laughters’, Random Blues’, ‘Days’, ‘City Without People: The Katrina Poems’, ‘Moonsongs’ and ‘The Eye of the Earth’ among others.
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