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Portable denies leading 2020 EndSARS protest
Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has responded to criticism following his recent comments advising people to focus on their careers instead of protesting.
This advice was met with backlash, as many reminded him of his active participation in the 2020 EndSARS protests against police brutality in Nigeria.
In a video response, Portable addressed the accusations, denying that he led the EndSARS protest. He attributed his past actions to what he called a “poverty mentality,” explaining that his perspective has shifted now that he has achieved wealth.
Portable argued that wealthy individuals like Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola do not engage in protests, and he urged his fans to prioritize their personal hustle and economic advancement.
Portable stated, “I was poor then, and it affected my thinking. Now, I am rich, and my thinking has changed. Rich men don’t fight. I am rich now with a rich man’s thinking. Should the rich go and fight?”
These comments have sparked further debate and criticism online, with many questioning the implications of his statements and the broader impact of wealth on social and political activism.
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Recall, Portable has faced backlash after voicing his opposition to the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1–10, 2024.
The protest, organized in response to the rising cost of living under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has garnered significant support from many Nigerians struggling with economic challenges.
In an Instagram post, Portable labeled the protest as unnecessary and referred to participants as “jobless.” He warned against being asked to perform during the protest and suggested that those urging him to join should take up the cause themselves.
Portable went further to attribute the planned protest to laziness, implying that participants are not serious about their jobs. He stated, “Fight for yourself, not for Nigeria. Nigeria is okay, you are the one who is not okay.”