Mr P celebrates children speaking French, says Nigerian languages help nobody

Singer Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has said Nigerian languages offer no practical value while defending his children’s ability to speak French.

The exchange began on Monday after Okoye shared a post from Paris expressing admiration for how effortlessly his children communicate in French.

“Still in Paris! Watching my kids speak French so effortlessly makes me think… maybe it’s time to own a crib here in Paris. Just a thought,” he wrote.

An X user, @sambuddybest, responded: “Hope they can speak Igbo, too?”

Okoye replied: “And who naija language help? Make I hear word abeg.”

As criticism followed, the singer said parents should be allowed to decide the languages their children learn.

“When it’s your turn, teach your own kids all the languages in Nigeria if that’s your choice,” he wrote.

He also told his critics to stay out of his family’s affairs.

“I’ve got just three words for you: MYB — Mind Your Business.

“Go and find someone else to pour your frustration on. Not here.

“As for me and my family, we’re good. Go and find another place to pour your frustration.”

Okoye questioned what members of the public would gain from his children speaking Nigerian languages.

“Again, what exactly do you stand to gain if my children speak Nigerian languages? How does that improve your life?

“MYB — Mind Your Business. Cry harder,” he said.

The singer maintained that speaking a Nigerian language had not helped anyone and pointed out that English is the country’s official language.

“Again and again… who has speaking a Nigerian language helped?

“The official language of Nigeria is English, yet this is what you’re worried about?

“Una never ready. The joke is on you.”

Okoye accused his critics of hypocrisy, claiming many of them would accept foreign citizenship or raise their children abroad if given the opportunity.

“With everything going on in Nigeria, your biggest concern is whether my children speak Nigerian languages?

“Focus on the real issues and let people raise their families the way they choose. Ndi ala,” he wrote.

He later repeated his position, saying Nigerians should focus on more serious national problems.

“Out of all the real issues facing the country, this is what keeps you awake?

“Una never ready for our country. Ndi nchu.”