By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi
Nigerian street pop star Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, has clarified why he will not be participating in the upcoming nationwide protest scheduled from August 1 to August 10, 2024.
The protest aims to address grievances about the current state of the nation.
Despite calls on social media for citizens to join the demonstration, which have continued despite President Bola Tinubu’s and various civil society groups’ appeals to refrain, Portable has made it clear he will not be involved.
In a social media video, Portable, who gained fame for his performance during the EndSARS protests in 2020, explained his decision.
He stated that affluent individuals like Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola do not participate in protests, implying that such actions are typically reserved for those struggling economically.
Portable reflected on his past, noting that his participation in the 2020 protest was motivated by his then-poor status.
He advised his fans and Nigerians to focus on personal development and building valuable connections instead of participating in protests.
He stated, “It won’t end well for anyone suggesting I should sing at a protest. If you’re hustling and have work to do, you won’t join in. Fight for yourself, not for Nigeria. Nigeria is okay; it’s you who needs improvement. The money is out there; you need to work hard and network better. Focus on your own success rather than protests.”
Portable emphasized that his current mindset, shaped by his wealth, is different from his earlier views.
He questioned why wealthy individuals like Otedola and Dangote do not lead or participate in protests, and advised people to focus on their own business and self-improvement, rather than seeking change through demonstrations.
“Those of you who are saying I performed during the protest in 2020, that was then. I joined the protest at the time because I was influenced by poor thinking. Now that I’m rich, I now think like a rich person. Have you ever seen Otedola lead any protest in Nigeria before or have you ever seen Dangote carry placards at a protest to save Nigeria?
Anytime you hear Dangote speak, he only talks about saving his business, so mind your business. That’s why I mind my business,” the singer said in Yoruba.
