Nigerian Singer Portable’s Comments on Nationwide Protest Spark Controversy

A viral video of Nigerian singer Portable has sparked debate on social media, with many reacting to his comments on the planned nationwide protest in Nigeria. The singer, known for his hit single “Zazoo Zeh,” stated that the protest is for poor Nigerians, implying that he is no longer aligned with the cause.

The nationwide protest, themed #EndBadGovernance, is set to take place from August 1 to August 10, 2024. In a video shared on social media, Portable revealed that he participated in the 2020 #EndSARS protest because he was poor at the time. He noted that billionaires like Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola do not participate in protests, suggesting that his perspective has changed since he gained financial stability.

“I didn’t have money back then. I’m now thinking like a rich man,” Portable said in the video. “They said that I joined the protest in 2020. It was then, poor thinking! Now that I have money, I am thinking like a wealthy person.”

This statement comes as a surprise, as Portable had earlier announced that he would not be joining the protest, citing his financial comfort. The singer gained fame in 2021 with the release of his hit single “Zazoo Zeh,” featuring Olamide and Poco Lee.

The comments have sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some defending Portable’s right to change his stance and others criticizing his perceived lack of empathy for those struggling financially. The debate highlights the complex issues surrounding the planned protest and the ongoing conversation about governance in Nigeria.