NHRC to youths: Soyinka, Falana led protests as young men… take the bull by the horns

The Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC) says those compelling Wole Soyinka, the Nobel laureate, and Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), to lead a protest against economic hardship lack a sense of history.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Taiwo Adeleke and Digifa Werenipre, NHRC’s officials, the group expressed concerns about “persistent accusations” that the duo have been silent in the face of the economic downturn.

The NHRC said Soyinka and Falana have, for decades, been at the forefront of activism demanding good governance.

The group asked youths to emulate Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, by fighting for justice and equity.

“We wish to remind these people, mostly young people, that their actions constitute a drawback to the rich heritage of democratic struggle the two figures represent in the history of Nigeria,” the statement reads.

“We urge younger ones to learn from Mr Omoyele Sowore and emulate his sterling contributions to democracy and justice for over 30 years of his life.”

The NHRC said while it is time for Soyinka to rest, Falana has continued his advocacy by taking up pro bono cases, with some against the current administration.

The group challenged the critics to be bold enough to lead the protest they seek, rather than condemn “older people who have risked their lives countless times” in the struggle for a greater country.

“Some of them believe the word activism makes sense only when speaking in support of Obidients indicating their narrow mindset about what it means to change a country for the better,” the group said.

“We are seeing a generation of lousy, lazy and completely ignorant youths whose basic agenda is to destroy Nigerian heroes thereby serving the interests of the government and the ruling class who oppress Nigerians.

“When Soyinka and Falana were younger, they did not look up to the older generation to liberate them. They rather discovered the mission of their own generation and fulfilled it.

“We challenge you to take the bull by the horns and provide alternative leadership for change instead of taking up the professional duty of running down those that have established milestones in the struggle for a better Nigeria.”