In an exclusive interview with TheNEWS to mark his 90th birthday, Prof. Wole Soyinka shared his harrowing experiences during the regime of late dictator Gen. Sani Abacha, describing it as a “miracle” he survived the period.
Soyinka revealed that Abacha was obsessed with him, and many people suffered for associating with him. He recalled a driver who worked for Abacha and later approached him, curious about the person who had given his former boss such nightmares. The driver wanted to meet Soyinka, the man behind the name that triggered Abacha’s frenzy.
Soyinka also spoke about the various measures taken by Abacha’s regime to track and monitor him and others in Atlanta. He revealed that fake consulates and trading companies were set up to trap them, and he had to be accompanied by policemen when flying out and returning due to security concerns.
The renowned writer also recalled how Abacha’s regime set up fake consulates in various locations, including one in Bayswater, London, which was used to monitor him and other targets. He was added to several police watch lists, making it difficult for him to move freely.
Soyinka also spoke about his experiences at Emory University in Atlanta, where he was teaching at the time. He revealed that a fake consulate was set up in the city, and despite efforts to prevent it, the authorities eventually succumbed to pressure to establish the fake diplomatic mission.
The university president insisted that Soyinka be accompanied by policemen whenever he flew out or returned, citing reports from the US secret service. The Nobel laureate expressed gratitude for his American friends who stood by him during those trying times.
Soyinka’s candid account of his experiences under Abacha’s regime serves as a testament to his bravery and resilience in the face of adversity.
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