Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka announced he might apply for the restoration of his US Permanent Residence, commonly known as a Green Card, following the recent conviction of former United States President Donald Trump.
In a statement released on Friday, Soyinka reflected on the broader implications of Trump’s conviction, describing it as a moment of renewed hope for democracy. “For millions in anguished parts of the world, certainly for us in vast swathes of the African continent, this is daybreak on a new democratic promise,” he stated.
The statement, titled “The Trump Verdict, reads: “For millions in anguished parts of the world, certainly for us in vast swathes of the African continent, this is daybreak on a new democratic promise.
“The warning is clear, sooner or later, the clamour of equity breaks down the stoutest gates on guard across the citadel of impunity.
“The Trump debacle is a challenge also, a call to preparedness and steadfastness. Installed and putative fascisms–secular, military or theocratic-will extract from this only the wrong lessons, batten down and ‘crack down’ in self-protection.
“It is “Not yet Uhuru”, not anywhere close for humanity in our global village. Nonetheless, a celebration, albeit in a minor key, is justified.
“P.s. Seeing that this trite, personal gesture attracted such inordinate attention at the time, let me answer the question before it is asked: Yes, I may choose to apply for restoration of my card of Permanent Residence, known as the Green Card. Possibly.”