Nationwide protest: Why entertainers stayed away

As Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread protests, the country’s celebrities have expressed a range of opinions, reflecting a deep divide in their perspectives. While the protest may have succeeded in drawing government’s attention to some of the issues plaguing the citizens, the perceived apathetic attitude of some Nigerian celebrities towards the protest this time unlike the 2020 EndSars protest is believed to be a concern for some of their fans.

Information pieced together by R revealed that the 2023 elections that saw Bola Tinubu emerge the country’s president marked a critical juncture, leading entertainers to question whether Nigeria can achieve meaningful change.

It is believed that celebrities who didn’t support the presidential ambition of Tinubu remained unperturbed about the situation of the country and would rather stay quiet and watch.

It was also gathered that many entertainers, faced with the potential repercussions of taking a stand, opted to stay away from the protests altogether. This decision is often influenced by a desire to avoid controversy, potential backlash from fans, or fears of professional repercussions.

The reluctance of these public figures to engage with the protests draws attention to the challenges faced by celebrities in balancing their personal beliefs with public expectations and the potential consequences of their actions.

A prominent entertainer from the South East who didn’t want his name mentioned told R that Nigerians chose the leader they want and I think everyone should face the consequences of his/her action.

“I think it is unfair to drag some of us into any protest even if we all feel the same way about the government of the day. I didn’t expect anything from this government and I am not going to come here and start postulating about this policy or that policy. It is four years, after that, we will speak on next line of action”

While some of these figures voiced skepticism about the nation’s future, doubting the efficacy of political and social efforts to bring about positive transformation, others claimed they have adopted a more patient stance, advocating for giving the current government time to implement its economic recovery policies.

They argued that these measures need time to yield results, and premature judgment may hinder potential progress.

However, a notable number of celebrities have explained while they chose to distance themselves from the protests, citing past experiences such as the 2020 #EndSARS movement, which they believed failed to produce significant outcomes.

According to them, many of the 2020 protesters remain in jail, and the government has yet to provide compensation to the families of those allegedly killed by security forces.

Leading the pack, Afrobeats superstar, Burna Boy articulated his reason on X (formerly Twitter), explaining his silence on the current protests.

He recalled how his music was rejected by protesters in 2020, with chants of “No Burna, cancelled!” ringing out. “The fight in me died on this day. Ogun go d***y, anybody wey call my name this time around,” he wrote, expressing a sense of resignation.

Similarly, Paul Okoye, formerly of the music group P-Square, expressed his frustration and unwillingness to engage further, stating, “He has nothing more to say about the situation of the country and would never be part of any protest again because Nigerians deserve what they get.”

Tonto Dikeh took a somewhat neutral stance, emphasising her personal freedom in political matters.

She posited, “If politics will make you unfollow me, please go ahead. I have no hard feelings; I wouldn’t stop supporting to make this country a great place. One thing I wouldn’t do is stress about what you think of my opinion and of my choices or even block my comment section. God bless you all with love and light, #KINGTONTO.”

Her remarks, however, drew sharp criticism from her followers. One fan commented, “What’s all this na? Can you just hand over this phone to your manager? Without followers, you are nothing, without fans even the government will not recognise you. That you have enough food in your house, just like I do doesn’t mean you should deny the fact that people are suffering. I do not hate PBAT but I hate the fact that he is using ya’ll to tactical make it look like Nigeria is better in his hands. Stop it, my dear.”

Another fan suggested that Dikeh might be seeking political favour, saying, “I understand you are struggling to get SSA appointment but allow your conscience to speak for you.”

In a separate instance, Toke Makinwa faced backlash for implying that some protesters were using the opportunity to loot businesses. Although she clarified that this was not her intention, her comments and perceived indifference sparked further criticism. Her followers accused her of being out of touch with the realities faced by many Nigerians.

On the other hand, Nigerian comedian and activist Mr. Macaroni took a firm stand against the government’s response to the protests. He criticised the authorities for disrupting peaceful demonstrations, arguing that the protests are always peaceful until state-sponsored thugs intervene.

“This is proof that the protests are always peaceful and with good intentions until state-sponsored thugs are sent to disrupt the protests. The Police, in their complicity, will ignore the infiltrators and start to attack peaceful protesters,” he asserted.

He highlighted a pattern where anti-protest groups previously held demonstrations without interference but are now opposing others’ right to protest. “Isn’t it madness to now attempt to stop people from doing exactly what you did just a few days ago?” he questioned.

Mr. Macaroni emphasised that the government’s responsibility is to listen to the people’s grievances and protect peaceful protesters, not suppress them. He warned against attempts to rewrite history, as seen with the #EndSARS movement, and stressed the importance of allowing citizens to express their frustrations through protest.

Yemi Alade also weighed in as she took to her Instagram page to promote a song from her new album, Rebel Queen, which called for peace and love in Africa. “Dem-don-cråzy or Democracy?

We all deserve better standards of living and the means to afford basic amenities of life. Food, water, electricity, etc”.

Similarly, Big Brother Naija Level Up winner Phyna called for an end to bad government. She stated that she stands for a new, better and greater Nigeria, and as such, she joins hands with the great citizens of the land to push for the betterment of its citizens. Phyna noted how she is a Nigerian and not an enslaved person as she went on to sing the former National Anthem.

In her caption, she stated that we all deserve better living standards and the means to afford basic amenities of life such as food, water, electricity and more.

While some entertainers chose to stay away from the protests, citing disillusionment or personal beliefs, others actively voice their support or criticism.

This split reflects the complex landscape of Nigerian society, where opinions on governance, justice, and social change are deeply polarized.

“Nigerians are always quick to cancel one entertainer or the other because he or she doesn’t speak the language they want to hear or does not align with their sentiment.

It has become very clear that as the nation navigates these challenges, the voices of celebrities will continue to play a significant role in shaping public discourse”, a comedian said.

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