They Will Pick Us Up If We Speak Portable Justifies Celebs’ Silence

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has stated that he cannot openly condemn the rising insecurity and economic hardship in the country due to fear of arrest by law enforcement authorities.

The Zazu singer made this disclosure in a video broadcast on Monday, while responding to an appeal from British-Nigerian rapper Skepta.

Skepta had earlier called on home-based Nigerian celebrities to use their large platforms to speak out against the country’s worsening economic challenges and security issues.

However, Portable argued that it is much safer for Nigerians living in the diaspora to criticise the government because they are out of the reach of local security agencies. He noted that Nigerian celebrities living within the country face severe consequences, including political persecution and the seizure of their passports, if they speak out of turn.

“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.”

The musician claimed that some celebrities are already being targeted over their past public statements, describing the situation as oppressive for local creatives.

He added, “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. So, I’m only concerned about how I can make money and better my own life. 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. If we were abroad, it would be safer to speak up.”