Chinua Achebe, the renowned Nigerian novelist, essayist, and poet who played a pivotal role in creating modern African fiction, continues to influence generations of writers worldwide.
His groundbreaking novel, “Things Fall Apart,” remains a significant cultural touchstone. Achebe was also a fierce critic of corruption in Nigeria, using his writings and public voice to challenge and expose the country’s political and social injustices.
Although he passed away 11 years ago, his legacy endures and resonates in today’s society.
Achebe is widely remembered for his notable actions, including his rejection of the National Award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) offered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2004, and again in 2011 under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He wrote an open letter to Obasanjo, condemning the then President’s leadership style. “I write this letter with a very heavy heart. For some time now I have watched events in Nigeria with alarm and dismay,” the legendary author had written.
“I have watched particularly the chaos in my own state of Anambra where a small clique of renegades, openly boasting its connections in high places, seems determined to turn my homeland into a bankrupt and lawless fiefdom. I am appalled by the brazenness of this clique and the silence, if not connivance, of the Presidency,” he added.
Moreover, Achebe stated that Nigeria’s condition under Obasanjo’s leadership was “too dangerous for silence.” To express his disappointment and protest, he declined to accept the high honor awarded to him in the 2004 Honours List.
When the award was offered to him again in 2011, by Goodluck Jonathan, Achebe issued a short statement that read: “The reasons for rejecting the offer when it was first made have not been addressed, let alone solved.
In the statement, he said “It is inappropriate to offer it again to me. I must therefore regretfully decline the offer again.”
Two years later, in March 2013, at the age of 82, Achebe died after a brief illness in Boston, USA. His final book, “There Was a Country,” was released in September 2012.
Eleven years after his death, Achebe’s legacy in the fight against corruption continues to be remembered and celebrated.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
