Portable Speaks Out on Insecurity
Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has revealed that he fears speaking publicly about the worsening insecurity in Nigeria could put him at risk of arrest.
Portable made the statement while reacting to British-Nigerian rapper Skepta’s appeal for Nigerian celebrities to speak out against the rising insecurity and economic hardship in the country.
“Skepta, God bless you for remembering and speaking for Nigeria. However, you saying 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 up,” Portable said in a video broadcast.
Diaspora Safer to Speak
The singer argued that Nigerian celebrities based abroad are safer when speaking against insecurity because the government cannot arrest them outside the country.
“Those of us in Nigeria, if we speak, we will be in big trouble. They might even seize our passports if we, celebrities, say what we are not supposed to say,” he added.
Portable said his main priority is personal financial stability, but clarified that this does not mean he does not care about Nigeria.
“It is not like celebrities don’t care about Nigeria, but if we speak, they will persecute us. A lot of us are even tired of what is happening in Nigeria. But we can’t speak up,” he explained.
Call for Support
Portable appealed for practical support rather than just prayers, stressing the need for Nigerians in the diaspora to advocate for change on behalf of those inside the country.
“We need help. We need support, not just prayers. Nigerians in diaspora should speak up because Nigerian government can’t arrest them from abroad,” he said.
