Mr Macaroni: Why I declined invitation to meet Osinbajo

Mr Macaroni has opened up about his absence when Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo hosted a delegation of Nigerian skit makers in Abuja.

On Wednesday, Osinbajo had received the delegation who visited him under the aegis of the Nigeria Skits Industry Awards (NSIA) at the presidential villa.

The event has since become a subject of heated discussion among Nigerians on social media, with many users questioning why the entertainer was not among the delegation.

But in a lengthy Twitter thread on Friday, Mr Macaroni dismissed claim that he was “sidelined” by the organiser during preparation for the visit.

He also disclosed that he was invited but declined the request because he’s “not happy with the country’s leaders.”

He said with his experience, he believes sitting down with government officials for deliberation does not yield results.

The comedian, born Debo Adebayo, however, said people should not condemn those who honoured the invitation.

“Honestly, I have tried so hard not to say anything about this issue but I have seen some comments and conclusions that do not really sit well with me. My conscience will not allow me to keep mute. So I have to say what I know for my conscience and posterity,” he wrote.

“First, I do not think there is an association of skit makers. If there is, then I don’t know anything about it. And that would be fine because I am an Actor/Thespian first before the tag “skit maker”.

“So, I don’t think those that went to see the VP without me or anyone else meant to sideline me. I want to believe they were invited to see The VP by the organisers of an award ceremony the same way I was invited. The only difference is that I declined the invitation.

“The reason I declined is simple. As a Citizen, I’m not happy with our leaders and I do not want to associate with them. It’s ok if others believe that sitting with the Govt will change certain things and decide to try it out. I don’t think they should be crucified for that.

“I have just seen too much to know that The Govt sees and hears everything. They and their workers are always on the Internet. They know what we cry and complain about and they do nothing about it. So what will sitting down with them to tell them what they already know change?

“I don’t know what was discussed in that meeting as I wasn’t there. But I don’t believe those that went would go there to say anything other than demanding for better governance and leadership as we all have been doing all these while.

“Where I stand is that this is election season. The politicians that have abandoned us for years will start coming back to us again to promise heaven and earth. We need to see beyond their deceit. All they care about is photo. Look around, the PR work has started massively.”

The entertainer also said he has always insisted on a public place whenever politicians invite him for a meeting.

“When politicians say they want to engage me, I always tell them to pick a public place, where all members of press would be present. So that I can say my mind as I see it. When they are begging for votes, they come to us publicly. So why do you want to see me privately?” Mr Macaroni asked.

“I am no hero or saint. I am not perfect. I am only a concerned citizen who wants a better nation for myself and for every other Nigerian. I use my voice, my craft and my platform to do this and I have been greatly persecuted for it.

“This is who I am. It is who I have always been even before fame. I have suffered so much for it and sometimes I ask myself why I am the way I am. But anytime I remember how many lives I have been able to impact positively, I am at peace with myself.

“I don’t think it would be fair to hold any other person by these standards. Hoping we all can promote peace and unity amongst ourselves and explore whatever means we dim fit to demand for a better Nation for ourselves and generations to come.”