Despite outrage, Wike redeems N10m pledge to performers at Burna Boy’s concert

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state, has redeemed his pledge of N10 million each to the artistes that performed at the homecoming concert of Burna Boy, Afrofusion singer.

A Port Harcourt homecoming concert was earlier staged in honour of Burna Boy after the music star set a record at the 2021 Grammys with his ‘Twice As Tall’ project becoming the first Afrobeats album to win an award.

At the homecoming party, Wike had announced N10 million cash gifts to Burna Boy and singers who performed at the event.

The governor’s gesture had however stirred backlashes on social media, with many users accusing him of splurging with taxpayers’ money.

Despite the outrage, Tonye Oniyide, the state’s commissioner for culture and tourism, said Wike has redeemed his pledge to the artistes.

“The Rivers State Government has made good its promise to give Ten million naira to each of the performing artistes who participated in the Burna Boy Home Coming State Reception concert in Port Harcourt last Saturday. The payment has been carried out in strict adherence to the pronouncement of the Governor,” read the statement on Wednesday.

“The accounts of the beneficiaries have been credited as directed by the Governor, and as you know the Governor is a man of his word and he has redeemed his pledge.”

Aside from the monetary gift, Wike had bestowed the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS) honour, the second-highest distinction in the state, on Burna Boy.

“Rivers state government will provide land at Old GRA for Burna Boy. Not only are we to provide that, but we are going to give him money to build for himself. We are going to do that. Let others be encouraged,” Wike had said.

“I will do what is required as a governor to encourage him (Burna Boy) and his parents and to encourage all our artists to know that the time has come when we must look inwards; when we must come home.”