Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, has responded to allegations by the Rivers State Government that former Governor Chibuike Amaechi spent N82 million on a dinner in his honour.
In a statement, Wednesday, Prof Soyinka said the claims by the administration of incumbent Governor Nyesom Wike was a form of corruption fighting back.
He also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies to come for him if any case is established against him.
“This morning, I saw only the headlines in one or two print media regarding the 80th Birthday dinner to which I was hosted by the former governor of Rivers State, the Honorable Rotimi Amaechi, now Minister of Aviation,” Soyinka said.
“I ignored them. It was not, and remains not my business to probe into the catering and logistical implications of the hundreds of institutions and governments all over the world to whom I acknowledge an immense debt of unsolicited recognition over the years.
“Since then however, I have learnt of some unsavory statements by the insecure incumbent of the Rivers State Government Lodge. These included a loose invitation to anti-crime agencies to investigate the potential crime of being honoured through any occasion.”
Rivers State Commissioner of Information, Dr Austin Tam-George, had said during a radio programme in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that the government would probe the money spent on the dinner and demand a refund if it found Soyinka received part of the funds.
“If he agrees that he received such funds, then he will be compelled to refund same to the coffers of Rivers State,” Tam-George said.
“At present, we have presented these details to the police for investigation and prosecution. We shall also take up this matter as a financial crime against the people of Rivers State,” he added.
Responding, Soyinka said: “I do however fully support the Wikeleaks call for multi-directional probes. I recommend further that he involves the services of INTERPOL to guarantee its extension to all international organisations and governments to whom I owe uncountable events of recognition – including birthday luncheons, dinners, cultural receptions and events of real, fictitious, or simply opportunistic flavoring – to which I have submitted myself.
“The descent to this present level of abominable distractions makes one truly despair. It is one that even I did not envisage when I warned – corruption strikes back.
“Whether it brings honour or dishonour to the nation is another matter – I am saddened, but indifferent.
“EFCC and company – over to you. You all know where I live.”
