Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to reduce the cost of governance, describing the status quo as expensive.

Soyinka said this on Friday in an interview with one of our correspondents at the 3rd convocation of the Kwara State University, Malette, where he was a guest lecturer.

When asked if he thought Buhari should prune the size of his cabinet as against what obtained under previous governments, Soyinka said, “The system we are running is too expensive. I will say it again and again. I would like to see it revamped completely.”

He, however, called for a systemic change, noting that the country’s constitution might pose a constraint to Buhari should he choose to take to the advice.

He said, “We cannot afford this system. So the issue of a large cabinet or a small cabinet is contingent on the fact on the system you are running.

“For instance, constitutionally, apparently, he is obliged to observe geographical spread. Can you imagine that? You do not run a country like that! So the constitution we are running is, in fact part of the problem; a major problem. We need a system of change, a total systemic revamp. That is my view.”

Soyinka also urged Nigerians to be patient with Buhari’s government as it tries to find its footing, saying, “I believe that any incoming political leader, anybody at the head of government should be given at least a little time to develop his own rhythm. There is so much mess already. Let him take his time, take his stand and fix his own priorities but make sure that he concentrates on them.

“I say that about any incoming regime. I want to make that clear, I say that about any incoming regime, whether I approve of that regime or not is irrelevant.

“Nigerians sometime want to sprint without even getting running shoes. So opinions could differ. But I am saying that it is too early in my view. It is just too early for people to form that drastic opinion like that.”

In addition, Soyinka described the change in government as a saving grace for Nigeria, which he said was heading towards destruction under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said, “This country could not have survived another two years, in my view, in my assessment in so many directions if the status quo had been maintained for another two years.”