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By Oscar Okhifo
Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has taken a swipe at United States President Donald Trump, accusing him of undermining diplomatic norms and displaying authoritarian traits in his dealing with Nigerians, Nigeria and other nations, especially in Africa.
Soyinka, who spoke with BBC News on Thursday, was reacting to Trump’s recent remarks suggesting that the United States could impose tougher diplomatic and economic measures against Nigeria if the country fails to align with Washington’s security and governance expectations.
“Trump has repeatedly shown the tendencies of a petty-minded dictator, using the threat of power to intimidate less powerful nations,” Soyinka said during the interview.
The literary icon insisted that the United States, under Trump, has adopted a posture that disrespects the sovereignty of other countries, particularly those in Africa.
“The world cannot continue to tolerate leaders who wield influence like a whip to cow others into submission.
“We expect cooperation, not condescension,” he added.
However, Soyinka’s comments are coming at a time when he recently suffered a visa denial from the United States Embassy, a development that has sparked debates in some quarters.
Critics argue that the incident may have influenced his harsh remarks, while others believe the playwright is simply defending Nigeria’s dignity on the global stage.
Soyinka urged the Federal Government not to succumb to pressures aimed at undermining Nigeria’s national pride, but to engage diplomatically from a position of strength.
He also cautioned the international community to remain vigilant, warning that the normalization of “bully politics” by global powers could spell danger for emerging democracies around the world.”