“They’re Gonna Get Us Arrested” – Portable Reveals Why Stars Avoid Talking About Insecurities
- Nigerian singer Portable talks about celebrity silence on insecurity and economic issues.
- He attributes this silence to the fear of the government’s reaction.
- Concerns about possible persecution are significant factors in entertainers’ reluctance to speak out.
Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus popularly known as Portable “God Bring Me Back”- Portable shares a heartbreaking post on Dok On Drip, has explained why many celebrities in the country are reluctant to speak out against worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
The “Zazu” singer said that the fear of government reaction and possible persecution is the main reason why most entertainers remain silent.
He said this in response to an appeal by British-Nigerian rapper Skepta calling on Nigerian celebrities to use their platforms to demand justice and speak out against insecurity and hardship in the country.
In a video statement, Portable praised Skepta for speaking out but questioned the safety of such actions for entertainers living in Nigeria.
“Skepta, God bless you for remembering and speaking up for Nigeria. However, you say we Nigerian celebrities should speak up and demand justice, do you want the Nigerian government to pick us? They will arrest us if we speak out,” he said.
He stated that entertainers face intimidation and oppression from the authorities, adding that some individuals still face consequences for past comments.
According to him, celebrities risk arrest, harassment and even possible travel restrictions such as confiscation of passports if they openly criticize the government.
Portable claims that while Nigerian celebrities are concerned about the situation in the country, many are forced to remain silent to protect themselves.
He further called on Nigerians in the diaspora to continue speaking out, arguing that they are safer from government retaliation.
“We in Nigeria, if we speak out, we will be in big trouble. They might even take away our passports if we celebrities say what we shouldn’t,” he added.
The singer concluded by saying that he prefers to focus on his music and personal success, noting that speaking out could threaten his freedom and life.
Check out the post below:
Read some comments below:
@ezeqwesiri: “That’s why you have to respect Fela more; he spoke without fear.”
@hardey_nike_111:”Looking calm lately 😂😂 all thanks to Carter 😂.”
@meet_epitomeofgrace:”God bless Carter for the brain reset beating he gave Portable 😂😂😂 I can’t believe Portable can be this calm and sane.”
@kin_gmandy:”Exactly what he said, and this should in no way be funny to anyone!!!!”
@amarachidiaries: “This is why people don’t take it seriously, what he said is true and yet people laugh.”
@tayo_westmanny25:”It’s not a democracy anymore. Let me not talk too much either, b4 dem elect me too😂. NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT CHAI🇳🇬 !!!!”
@clothesss_spaceng: “Talking about insecurity affects everyone, which is why a lot of people pay attention whenever celebrities decide to share their thoughts on the situation.”
