PROFESSOR Wole Soyinka restated yesterday his belief that the masterminds of the December 23, 2001 murder of farmer Justice minister, Chief James Ajibola Ige, are top members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

The literary icon also decried the handling of the July 10 aborted coup in Anambra State by the PDP-led Federal Government.

Soyinka, at a press conference in Lagos, also responded to President Olusegun Obasanjo's recent letter flaying the Nobel Laureate for allegedly fabricating stories against the presidency.

He presented to journalists, copies of a letter he wrote to President Obasanjo dated July 18 this year. In it, Soyinka restated his belief that the PDP harbours "killers", concluding with a piece of advice he said the president once gave to him: "Watch your back!"

He told the journalists that the recent withdrawal from the trial of Senator Iyiola Omisore by the new trial judge. Justice Moshood Abass, lent credence to his argument that the killers are well-heeled members of the PDP.

Omisore, a prime suspect in the assassination of the late justice minister, won election to the senate on the platform of the PDP even while standing trial for alleged murder. .

A controversial bail granted him led the prosecution team to seek the transfer of the trial to another judge who ordered Omisore remanded while looking into the merit of the bail.

Justice Abass on Wednesday, however withdrew from the trial, citing pressure from undisclosed quarters. The withdrawal, according to Soyinka shows that "we are living in dangerous times."

The literary giant noted the abduction of Anambra State governor, Dr. Christ Ngige, and the government's apparent reluctance to try the culprit.

"I repeat, indeed insist that there is a nest of killers within the PDP. From Ngige's recent experience, the well-laid plans for his ultimate fate, it is evident that the vipers in the nest do not strike only outwards but inwards."

Returning the case file to the Oyo state Chief judge, Justice Isaiah Olakanmi,Abass said: "Since I made the order of remand of the accused person last Thursday and up till last 10 minutes before I sat this morning, I have been under pressure quarters urging me to arrive at a particular decision even before I listen to address of counsel

President Obasanjo had in a letter dated July 11 objected to Soyinka's statement linking the PDP and the presidency with the assassination of Ige. He accused Soyinka of peddling "perfidious falsehood and fabricating stories."

But in the July 18 letter to the president marked "in strictest confidence" Soyinka denied the allegation. He also dismissed as untrue statements that his latest "virulent" attacks and criticisms of the president's actions were because his ministerial nominees were rejected.

He said:"If you would only pause and reflect, you would understand why my public criticisms have taken a sharper turn, and taken to the public platform. It is because you are starting a new term of office, your final lap, where it is crucial to institute a sharp picture of your policies before they become ossified in disastrous realities,"

Soyinka continued: "I nominate no one. I lack the temperament for lobbying. You appointed my daughter a special assistant in your office without my knowledge, without my interest, indeed with my total indifference. I have never mounted the slightest pressure on you over any suggested names. My attitude over any "valuable mentions from me to you has been - check on this possibility. Don't overlook" or lose this asset if you can help it.

He argued that Ige's murder was to stop the former minister from revamping the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and ensuring that Obasanjo's PDP did not win elections in the South West.

Claiming that this statement and extracts from Ige's handwritten letter to the president seeking permission to leave government did not differ "in spirit or intent," Soyinka maintained that he did not fabricate statements against the PDP or Obasanjo.

He urged the president "not take issues at the face value so as to straighten his relations with the people."

"Learn first of all to be less intemperate. Learn to read carefully what is before you. Learn to relate every word to its context. Learn also to read between the lines. Do not believe the first tale bearer. When you write or speak, avoid categorical claims that may blow up in your face. Do not attribute falsehood to others -mischievous, 'perfidious' or whatever until you are absolutely sure of your facts.

"As Number One citizen, curb the excesses of your 'First Lady'. Anyone can urge 'self-restraint, "sobriety", "decency" and "honesty" on others, but you should begin by looking inwards, examining your own actions and pronouncements with diligence,".he added.

Quote

"I repeat indeed, insist that there is a nest of killers within the PDP. From Ngige's recent experience, the well-laid plans for his ultimate fate, it is evident that the vipers in the nest do not strike only outwards but inwards."