Singer reacts to Skepta’s call for Nigerian celebrities to speak against hardship, insecurity
Controversial Nigerian singer, Portable, has revealed that fear of possible arrest and persecution prevents him from publicly speaking against insecurity and hardship in the country.
The singer, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, made the remarks while reacting to recent comments by British-Nigerian rapper, Skepta, who urged Nigerian celebrities to lend their voices to growing concerns over worsening insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria.
Portable argued that celebrities living abroad have greater freedom to criticise the Nigerian government because they are beyond the direct reach of local authorities.
According to him, entertainers and public figures residing in Nigeria risk intimidation, arrest or other forms of persecution if they openly criticise the government or speak strongly about sensitive national issues.
Speaking in a video circulated online, the “Zazu” crooner praised Skepta for remembering Nigeria and speaking on behalf of struggling Nigerians but maintained that the situation is more difficult for celebrities living within the country.
“Skepta, God bless you for remembering and speaking for Nigeria. However, you saying we, Nigerian celebrities, should speak up and demand justice, do you want the Nigerian government to pick us? They will arrest us if we speak up,” Portable said.
The singer further alleged that some entertainers and public figures were still facing consequences over previous comments made against the government or authorities.
“This government is oppressing us. Some of us are still being persecuted over our past remarks. We need help. We need support, not just prayers,” he stated.
Portable also called on Nigerians living in the diaspora to continue speaking against insecurity and hardship, insisting that they are in a safer position to criticize the government without fear of arrest or intimidation.
“Nigerians in diaspora should speak up because Nigerian government can’t arrest them from abroad. Those of us in Nigeria, if we speak, we will be in big trouble,” he said.
“They might even seize our passports if we, celebrities, say what we are not supposed to say,” he added.
The singer admitted that many celebrities are frustrated by the current state of the country but remain reluctant to publicly express their concerns due to fear of victimization.
“So, I’m only concerned about how I can make money and better my own life. It is not like celebrities don’t care about Nigeria, but if we speak, they will persecute us,” Portable stated.
“A lot of us are even tired of what is happening in Nigeria. But we can’t speak up. If we were abroad, it would be safer to speak up,” he added.
Skepta had earlier urged Nigerian celebrities and influential figures to use their platforms to draw attention to the worsening economic situation and rising insecurity affecting millions of Nigerians.
The rapper’s comments sparked reactions across social media, with some Nigerians supporting his call for celebrities to become more vocal on national issues, while others argued that entertainers should not be pressured into political activism.
Portable has remained one of the most controversial figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, frequently making headlines over his outspoken lifestyle, social media controversies and clashes with authorities.
The singer has previously faced legal and police-related controversies, including disputes involving law enforcement agencies and public altercations that attracted widespread media attention.
His latest comments have further generated debate online, particularly over concerns about freedom of expression, civic responsibility and the role of celebrities in national discourse.
Observers say the remarks also reflect growing anxiety among some public figures regarding criticism of government policies and the broader political climate in the country.
