Innocent Ujah Idibia, the Nigerian artiste who’s now known as 2baba, says the proposed anti-government protest will not be “manipulated” by politicians.
The singer said he would put his voice, influence, and clout to use by being a significant part of the march which is now scheduled to hold on Monday, February 6.
2baba had last week announced his intention to join the protest against the obnoxious policies of the government.
The singer in a Facebook video on Tuesday spoke extensively on his decision to march with the masses.
2baba said: “The people have hoped for a better Nigeria since way before 1999 but things are not getting any better for the majority. We are still where we are; poor and desperate. I will no longer be quiet. I want thank to that EIE, the 2face foundation, numerous colleagues and countless fellow Nigerians for stepping up to partner with me.
“I am just a musician with a point of view and the ear of my fans. I have dedicated my time and resources to peace building, voter education towards peaceful elections, and youth engagement in governance in Nigeria.
“This time around, my partners, colleagues and I have come together to present a platform for real Nigerians to communicate their real pains to government at all levels in a peaceful and articulate manner with a view to getting lasting solutions to our problems. This March is about demanding that out leaders connect with all the people of Nigeria.”
The iconic singer also explained the purpose of the march and the reason why he has a vested interest in it.
He continued: “This march is about demanding that all saboteurs of good government policies should hands off. This march is about encouraging positive minded Nigerians, serious, hardworking, genuine, patriotic Nigerians to continue to work without intimidation. The problem of Nigeria goes beyond just one person, it goes beyond the president.
“The problem of Nigeria is just a handful of people that don’t want things to go well. We have a system that is clearly defined not to work for the majority.
“It is not a platform for politicians to manipulate. I know you will still spin it but for one second leave your battles aside and just listen to people without trying to score cheap political points against one another.
“It is not a point scoring exercise, it is not personal, it is not an organised labor platform. It is not a ‘my religion’ or ‘my tribe is better than your tribe’ matter. All our blood is red, all of us bleed, all of us feel pain.
“So I, Innocent Idibia, am a living example of a Nigerian who owes their success to Nigerians of every tribe and religion. No one asked what tribe or religion I was before supporting me and I’m grateful.”
The protest march will begin begin at National Stadium, Surulere, and will end at National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
Protesters are expected to converge by 8am.
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